1. Introduction
The VMware vCenter API Settings vulnerability concerns the configuration of credentials used for checks within VMware environments via REST and SOAP APIs. Incorrectly configured API settings can allow unauthorised access to your virtual infrastructure, potentially leading to data breaches or service disruption. This affects systems running VMware vCenter Server and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
2. Technical Explanation
This vulnerability arises from the initial setup of credentials used by scanning tools to connect to the vCenter API. If these credentials are not properly secured or managed, attackers can gain access to sensitive information and control over the virtual environment. There is no specific CVE associated with this configuration issue; it’s a matter of secure implementation.
- Root cause: Insecurely configured or default API credentials.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker could use the compromised credentials to access the vCenter API and perform actions such as virtual machine cloning, data extraction, or denial-of-service attacks. For example, an attacker with valid credentials could execute a SOAP request to list all virtual machines in the environment.
- Scope: VMware vCenter Server versions are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming vulnerability involves checking the configuration of API credentials within your scan policies.
- Quick checks: Log into your scanning tool’s web interface and navigate to the scan policy settings. Check if default or weak credentials are being used for VMware vCenter connections.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16892 can identify misconfigured API settings, but results should be manually verified.
- Logs and evidence: Review scanning tool logs for connection attempts using the configured credentials. Look for failed authentication attempts or unexpected activity.
# No specific command available as this is a configuration issue within the scan policy.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The following steps detail how to secure your VMware vCenter API credentials.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have valid administrative access to both the scanning tool and the VMware vCenter Server. A roll back plan involves restoring the previous scan policy configuration.
- Changes should be made during a scheduled maintenance window with appropriate approvals from IT management.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log into your scanning tool’s web interface.
- Step 2: Navigate to the scan policy settings.
- Step 3: Select ‘Preferences’, then ‘VMware vCenter REST and SOAP API Settings’.
- Step 4: Update the username and password for the VMware vCenter connection with strong, unique credentials.
- Step 5: Save the updated scan policy configuration.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
Username: administrator
Password: password123After
Username: vcenter_scan_user
Password: StrongUniquePassword!4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice.
- Practice 1: Least privilege – create a dedicated user account with limited permissions specifically for scanning purposes, rather than using an administrator account.
- Practice 2: Strong password policies – enforce the use of strong, unique passwords for all accounts, including those used by scanning tools.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No suitable automation script is provided as this configuration change depends on the specific scanning tool being used.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying that strong credentials are now in use and that scans complete successfully.
- Post-fix check: Log into your scanning tool’s web interface, navigate to ‘Preferences’, then ‘VMware vCenter REST and SOAP API Settings’. Confirm that the username is not ‘administrator’ and the password meets complexity requirements.
- Re-test: Re-run a scan of your VMware environment using the updated credentials. Verify that no vulnerabilities related to weak or default API settings are reported.
- Smoke test: Ensure scans complete without errors and that key virtual machines are successfully assessed.
- Monitoring: Review scanning tool logs for successful authentication attempts using the new credentials.
# No specific command available as this is a configuration issue within the scan policy.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline or policy to require strong credentials for all API connections, including those used by scanning tools.
- Asset and patch process: Regularly review the configuration of scanning tool accounts and credentials as part of a routine security assessment cycle.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
List known risks or service impacts from the change.
- Risk or side effect 2: Changes to scan policies may require reconfiguring other scanning tools or integrations. Mitigation: Document all changes carefully.
- Roll back: Restore the previous scan policy configuration from your backup or snapshot.
8. References and Resources
Link only to sources that match this exact vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: VMware vCenter Server Getting Started Guide
- NVD or CVE entry: Not applicable, as this is a configuration issue rather than a specific vulnerability with a CVE ID.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: VMware vSphere Security Hardening Guide