How to remediate – VMware vRealize Business Web UI Detection

1. Introduction

The VMware vRealize Business Web UI Detection identifies instances where the administrative interface for VMware vRealize Business, an IT financial management application, is running on a remote web server. This matters because this interface can be a target for attackers seeking access to sensitive financial data and system configurations. Affected systems are typically those used by organisations managing complex IT estates and budgets. A successful attack could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of IT financial information.

2. Technical Explanation

The vulnerability occurs because the web UI for VMware vRealize Business is exposed on a network connection. An attacker can attempt to access this interface remotely. There is no known CVE associated with this detection; it represents an exposure risk rather than a specific flaw. An example attack could involve an attacker attempting to log in using default credentials or exploiting vulnerabilities within the web UI itself, if any exist and are unpatched.

• Root cause: The administrative interface for VMware vRealize Business is accessible from outside its intended network segment.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts to access the web UI via a standard web browser, potentially using default credentials or known exploits.
• Scope: This detection applies to servers running the VMware vRealize Business web UI. Specific versions are not defined by this detection alone.

3. Detection and Assessment

You can confirm exposure by checking for the presence of the web UI on your network. A thorough assessment involves reviewing network configurations and access logs.

• Quick checks: Use a web browser to attempt to access the default URL for VMware vRealize Business (if known).
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16829 can identify this exposure, but results should be manually verified.
• Logs and evidence: Review web server logs for requests accessing paths associated with the VMware vRealize Business UI. Look for access attempts from unexpected IP addresses.

curl -I http://{target_ip}:{port} | grep Server

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The following steps outline how to reduce the risk of exposure by restricting access to the web UI.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have network administrator credentials and understand the firewall rules. A roll back plan involves restoring the previous snapshot or configuration.
• A change window may be required depending on your organisation’s policies; approval from a security team is recommended.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Restrict network access to the VMware vRealize Business web UI using firewall rules. Allow only trusted IP addresses or networks to connect.
2. Step 2: If possible, move the web UI behind a VPN or other secure gateway.
3. Step 3: Change default credentials for all accounts associated with the web UI.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

# Firewall rule allowing access from any source IP address
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8443 -j ACCEPT

After

# Firewall rule restricting access to a specific trusted IP address
iptables -A INPUT -s {trusted_ip} -p tcp --dport 8443 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8443 -j DROP

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help prevent this issue.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – restrict access to the web UI only to those who need it.
• Practice 2: Network segmentation – isolate the server running the web UI from other critical systems.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

# Example Ansible playbook to restrict access via firewall
- name: Restrict access to vRealize Business UI
  iptables:
    chain: INPUT
    protocol: tcp
    dport: 8443
    source: "{{ trusted_ip }}"
    jump: ACCEPT
- name: Drop all other traffic to vRealize Business UI
  iptables:
    chain: INPUT
    protocol: tcp
    dport: 8443
    jump: DROP

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by verifying that only trusted IP addresses can access the web UI.

• Post-fix check: Use `iptables -L INPUT` to confirm the firewall rules are in place and blocking unwanted traffic.
• Re-test: Attempt to access the web UI from an untrusted IP address; it should be blocked.
• Smoke test: Verify that users with legitimate access can still connect to the web UI.
• Monitoring: Monitor firewall logs for any unexpected attempts to access the web UI.

iptables -L INPUT | grep 8443

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Update security baselines and implement checks in your deployment pipelines.

• Baselines: Update network security baselines to include restrictions on access to administrative interfaces like VMware vRealize Business.
• Asset and patch process: Review the asset inventory regularly for any unexpected services running, especially those with a web UI.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Incorrect firewall rules can block legitimate access to the web UI.

• Risk or side effect 2: Service disruption – ensure you have a roll back plan in place.
• Roll back: Remove the new firewall rules and restore the previous configuration.

8. References and Resources

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.vmware.com/ca/company/acquisitions/vrealize-business-enterprise.html
• NVD or CVE entry: Not applicable for this detection alone.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vRealize-Business/index.html