CVE-2021-22005: VMware vCenter Server File Upload Vulnerability

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2021-22005 is a critical (CVSS 9.8) Path Traversal vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server. It is known to be exploited: CISA lists it, first on 03-11-2021. It has been used in ransomware campaigns. EPSS estimates a 100.00% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 99.9% of scored vulnerabilities. 2 public exploits are recorded.

Timeline

1. 23-09-2021
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 03-11-2021
   Added to CISA KEVVMware vCenter Server File Upload Vulnerability
3. 17-11-2021
   CISA remediation dueApply updates per vendor instructions.
4. 21-10-2025
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

The vCenter Server contains an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the Analytics service. A malicious actor with network access to port 443 on vCenter Server may exploit this issue to execute code on vCenter Server by uploading a specially crafted file.

• CWE-22Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.