Raw vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HSummary
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, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploitation for Privilege Escalation (T1068); ranked in the top 2% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Deeper analysis AI-assisted summary
Synthesised by an AI model from the NVD description and linked references — a reading aid, not an authoritative source.
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 Data
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
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise Techniques
CVEs Like This One
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.
Mitigating Controls (NIST CSF 2.0) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→CSF cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Secure-development practices (static analysis, bounds checking, code review) are the primary means of preventing out-of-bounds writes.
Vulnerability scanning and recording can discover out-of-bounds write flaws so they can be remediated.
Patching or replacing vulnerable software directly eliminates known instances of this coding weakness.
Mitigating Controls (ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A) AI
Derived directly from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry via our AI-authored CWE→ISO cross-walk (authority under review) — links open the control.
Security testing in development and acceptance can detect and prevent out-of-bounds write defects.
Secure development life cycle mandates practices that prevent out-of-bounds writes.
Application security requirements can specify bounds-checking and safe memory handling.
Secure architecture and engineering principles reduce the likelihood of buffer overflows.
Secure coding directly addresses out-of-bounds writes through language choice and coding standards.
Change management can enforce review gates that catch unsafe memory operations before deployment.