Recent security assessments have uncovered multiple high-severity vulnerabilities in VMware Cloud Foundation, a comprehensive hybrid cloud platform utilized for managing enterprise applications across private and public environments. These vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2025-41229, CVE-2025-41230, and CVE-2025-41231, pose significant risks by potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data and system functionalities.
Directory Traversal Vulnerability (CVE-2025-41229):
The most critical of these vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-41229, has been assigned a CVSS base score of 8.2, indicating a high severity level. This flaw enables attackers with network access to port 443 on VMware Cloud Foundation to perform directory traversal attacks. By exploiting this vulnerability, malicious actors can navigate beyond intended directories, accessing internal services that should be restricted. Notably, this attack vector does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the system is exposed to external networks.
The exploitation technique involves manipulating URL paths to bypass security restrictions, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive components. For instance, an attacker might craft a URL that includes sequences like `../` to traverse directories and reach protected files or services. This method can lead to unauthorized system access and potential data breaches.
VMware has confirmed that versions 4.5.x and 5.x of Cloud Foundation are susceptible to this vulnerability. Organizations utilizing these versions are urged to apply the necessary patches promptly to mitigate potential risks.
Information Disclosure Vulnerability (CVE-2025-41230):
The second vulnerability, CVE-2025-41230, carries a CVSS score of 7.5, also categorized as high severity. This flaw allows attackers to gain access to sensitive information through specially crafted API requests sent to port 443. The exposed data may include authentication credentials, configuration settings, and other critical system information that could facilitate further attacks.
Exploitation of this vulnerability involves sending API requests that are designed to bypass normal access controls, thereby retrieving information that should remain confidential. For example, an attacker might send a request that exploits improper input validation to access system logs containing sensitive data.
Security experts warn that this vulnerability could serve as a crucial first step in a series of attacks against VMware infrastructure. By obtaining reconnaissance data through this flaw, attackers can plan and execute more sophisticated exploits, potentially compromising the entire system.
Missing Authorization Controls (CVE-2025-41231):
The third identified vulnerability, CVE-2025-41231, has a CVSS score of 7.3, indicating high severity. This issue arises from missing authorization controls within the VMware Cloud Foundation appliance. Attackers who have already gained access to the appliance can exploit this vulnerability to perform unauthorized actions and access sensitive information beyond their privilege level.
Specifically, the absence of proper authorization checks allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized resource manipulation. An attacker with limited access could exploit this flaw to gain administrative privileges, thereby compromising the entire virtualized infrastructure.
The internal authorization framework’s deficiencies in enforcing access controls make this vulnerability particularly concerning. It underscores the importance of implementing robust security measures to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation within critical systems.
Discovery and Reporting:
These vulnerabilities were discovered and reported by Gustavo Bonito of the NATO Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). His findings have been instrumental in identifying and addressing these critical security issues within VMware Cloud Foundation.
Affected Products and Impact:
The vulnerabilities affect VMware Cloud Foundation versions 4.5.x and 5.x. The potential impacts of these vulnerabilities are significant:
– CVE-2025-41229: Enables directory traversal, allowing unauthorized access to internal services.
– CVE-2025-41230: Leads to information disclosure through API endpoints, exposing sensitive data.
– CVE-2025-41231: Results in missing authorization controls, permitting unauthorized actions and privilege escalation.
Exploitation of these vulnerabilities requires network access to port 443 on the VMware Cloud Foundation appliance. Given the critical nature of these flaws, it is imperative for organizations to assess their systems and apply the necessary updates without delay.
Mitigation and Recommendations:
In response to these vulnerabilities, VMware has released patches to address the identified issues. For VMware Cloud Foundation 5.x users, version 5.2.1.2 includes the necessary fixes. Users of version 4.5.x can refer to VMware’s official documentation for guidance on applying the appropriate patches.
Organizations are strongly advised to:
1. Apply Patches Promptly: Ensure that all VMware Cloud Foundation instances are updated to the latest versions that include fixes for these vulnerabilities.
2. Review Access Controls: Evaluate and strengthen access controls to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and privilege escalation.
3. Monitor Network Traffic: Implement monitoring solutions to detect and respond to suspicious activities targeting port 443 and other critical services.
4. Conduct Security Audits: Regularly perform security assessments to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities within the infrastructure.
By taking these proactive measures, organizations can enhance their security posture and protect sensitive data from potential exploitation.
Conclusion:
The discovery of these high-severity vulnerabilities in VMware Cloud Foundation highlights the ongoing challenges in securing complex cloud environments. Timely identification, reporting, and remediation of such vulnerabilities are crucial to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of organizational data. Organizations must remain vigilant, continuously updating and monitoring their systems to defend against evolving cyber threats.
