CVE-2023-20894
Published: 22 June 2023
Summary
CVE-2023-20894 is a high-severity Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) vulnerability in Vmware Vcenter Server. Its CVSS base score is 8.1 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 2.3% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Deeper analysis
The VMware vCenter Server contains an out-of-bounds write vulnerability (CWE-787) in its DCERPC protocol implementation. A specially crafted network packet can trigger memory corruption in the affected component.
An unauthenticated attacker with network access to vCenter Server can exploit the flaw by sending a malicious packet. The attack requires high complexity but can result in full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, corresponding to the reported CVSS 8.1 vector.
VMware published advisory VMSA-2023-0014 and Cisco Talos released a detailed report (TALOS-2022-1658) that address the issue and provide mitigation guidance. The current EPSS score of 0.4587, with a peak of 0.4808, indicates moderate exploitation interest without evidence of a sharp post-disclosure rise.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2023-25065
Vulnerability details
The VMware vCenter Server contains an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the implementation of the DCERPC protocol. A malicious actor with network access to vCenter Server may trigger an out-of-bound write by sending a specially crafted packet leading to memory corruption.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Out-of-bounds writes that corrupt control flow or inject shellcode are rendered non-executable by the same memory protections.