CVE-2021-21994

SFCB (Small Footprint CIM Broker) as used in ESXi has an authentication bypass vulnerability

published July 13, 2021

CVSS
—
EPSS
1%
Percentile
67.1
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ An authentication bypass on SFCB could let attackers slip through the cracks! Just a crafted request is enough to gain unauthorized access on ESXi's port 5989. 🔥 Think of your favorite coffee shop leaving the back door open just a crack. A determined person could waltz in and grab whatever they want, even if it’s not their coffee! This vulnerability allows exactly that, letting attackers bypass security like a barista who forgot to lock up at night. With the ability to bypass authentication, a malicious actor could access sensitive system configurations and sensitive data. This could lead to unauthorized changes that compromise the integrity of the entire ESXi environment, and we all know how devastating that can be!

Put simply

Think of your favorite coffee shop leaving the back door open just a crack. A determined person could waltz in and grab whatever they want, even if it’s not their coffee! This vulnerability allows exactly that, letting attackers bypass security like a barista who forgot to lock up at night. This vulnerability allows attackers with network access to port 5989 to craft a request that bypasses authentication for the SFCB service, enabling unauthorized access to the system.

What to do

With the ability to bypass authentication, a malicious actor could access sensitive system configurations and sensitive data. This could lead to unauthorized changes that compromise the integrity of the entire ESXi environment, and we all know how devastating that can be! To mitigate this risk, immediately restrict network access to port 5989 and ensure only trusted sources can reach this service. Additionally, consider updating the SFCB service to the latest version as fixes become available. Regularly audit network access and security settings to maintain a solid defense. You've got this! With a few adjustments, you can lock down your environment and keep attackers at bay! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.01167 · 67.1th percentile
Published
2021-07-13T18:05Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 13 JUL 18:05Z
    SFCB (Small Footprint CIM Broker) as used in ESXi has an authentication bypass vulnerability
    cvelistv5