CVE-2024-37079: VMware vCenter Server RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-37079 is a heap-overflow remote code execution vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server's DCERPC protocol implementation. Attackers with network access can exploit this flaw using crafted packets. This article covers technical details, affected versions, impact analysis, and mitigation strategies.

CVE-2024-37079 Overview

vCenter Server contains a heap-overflow vulnerability in the implementation of the DCERPC protocol. A malicious actor with network access to vCenter Server may trigger this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted network packet potentially leading to remote code execution.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability could enable remote code execution, significantly compromising the security of affected systems.

Affected Products

VMware vCenter Server 7.0
VMware vCenter Server 8.0
VMware Cloud Foundation

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by unknown
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to VMware
Not Available - CVE CVE-2024-37079 assigned
Not Available - VMware releases security patch
2024-06-18 - CVE CVE-2024-37079 published to NVD
2025-03-14 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-37079

Vulnerability Analysis

The heap-overflow vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory allocation within the DCERPC protocol implementation. This flaw can be exploited by sending crafted packets that lead to memory corruption, resulting in potential arbitrary code execution.

Root Cause

The vulnerability is due to incorrect bounds checking when processing network packets, leading to an overflow of heap memory.

Attack Vector

The attacker needs network access to the vCenter Server to exploit this vulnerability.

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
#include <stdio.h>
#include <string.h>

void vulnerable_function(char *input) {
    char buffer[1024];
    strcpy(buffer, input); // No bounds checking
}

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {
    if (argc > 1) {
        vulnerable_function(argv[1]);
    }
    return 0;
}

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-37079

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual network traffic patterns targeting vCenter Server
Unexpected process starts related to DCERPC
Log entries indicating malformed packets

Detection Strategies

Utilize network monitoring tools to identify anomalies in DCERPC traffic. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) can be configured to alert on known malicious packet structures.

Monitoring Recommendations

Continuously monitor network logs for signs of exploitation attempts. Set up alerts for any suspicious activity related to DCERPC communication.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-37079

Immediate Actions Required

Restrict network access to vCenter Server
Update IDS/IPS signatures for DCERPC exploits
Regularly check and update security patches

Patch Information

Refer to VMware’s advisory for remediation: VMware Security Advisory

Workarounds

Users can mitigate risks by restricting network access and configuring firewalls to block traffic from untrusted sources.

bash

# Configuration example
authconfig --update --enableldaptls
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 135 -j DROP