CVE intelligence and bounded remediation

CVE-2016-7459 — Vmware Vcenter Server security vulnerability

High CVSS 7.7

VMware vCenter Server 5.5 before U3e and 6.0 before U2a allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via a (1) Log Browser, (2) Distributed Switch setup, or (3) Content Library XML document containing an external entity declaration in conjunction with an entity reference, related to an XML External Entity (XXE) issue.

Severity
High
CVSS
7.7 (3.0)
Published
2016-12-29
CISA KEV
Not currently listed
Ecosystem
software/application
Weaknesses
CWE-611

Affected products

  • vmware / vcenter_server / 5.0
  • vmware / vcenter_server / 5.5
  • vmware / vcenter_server / 6.0

Showing 3 representative product identities from 13 source matches. Confirm exact affected versions with the linked vendor and NVD evidence.

Matched remediation archetype

XML external entity and unsafe XML processing

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Check exposure

  • Inventory XML parsers used by APIs, file imports, office or image formats, identity protocols, feeds, and background jobs.
  • Determine whether document type declarations, external entities, XInclude, schemas, or network resolvers are enabled.
  • Map parser filesystem and network access and the sensitivity of documents it processes.

Remediate safely

  • Configure each parser to reject document type declarations and disable external entity, XInclude, and network resolution features.
  • Prefer a data format or hardened parser that does not support external resolution, and apply input size and depth limits.
  • Update affected XML libraries and centralize secure parser construction so callers cannot silently override it.

Authoritative sources

Complete CVE record and remediation plan

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