January 22, 2024 at 05:12PM
A critical VMware vulnerability, CVE-2023-34048, was exploited by a Chinese APT, UNC3886, since late 2021 as a zero-day. The group utilized this to gain remote code-execution capabilities and compromise ESXi hosts. Organizations must ensure patching was effective, as many may still be vulnerable due to various challenges in deploying patches.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes:
1. A critical VMware vulnerability (CVE-2023-34048) was exploited by a Chinese advanced persistent threat (APT) called UNC3886, as a zero-day exploit since late 2021.
2. The exploitation reflects a high level of technical proficiency in identifying and leveraging complex vulnerabilities within widely used software like VMware.
3. UNC3886 utilized the exploit chain to gain remote code-execution (RCE) capabilities, steal credentials, compromise ESXi hosts, and deploy backdoors.
4. VMware customers who patched in October may need to verify they were not compromised during the zero-day period.
5. Despite VMware’s efforts to patch as many devices as possible, various organizations may still be running unpatched or outdated versions due to resource limitations, infrastructure complexities, or oversight in patch management processes.
6. Organizations facing challenges in rapidly deploying patches, especially in large or complex environments, are vulnerable to exploitation by threat actors like UNC3886.
7. VMware customers at risk can find remediation information in VMware’s original security advisory from October.