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How the CVE Works:
CVE-2025-22220 is a privilege escalation flaw in VMware Aria Operations for Logs. Attackers with non-admin access can exploit improper API authorization checks to execute admin-level operations. The vulnerability arises when the API fails to validate user roles for specific endpoints, allowing low-privileged users to bypass restrictions. By crafting malicious requests, an attacker can manipulate logs, configurations, or system settings. The exploit leverages session hijacking or direct API calls, granting unauthorized administrative control.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: VMware Aria Operations
Version: Logs (pre-8.12.2)
Vulnerability: Privilege Escalation
Severity: Critical
Date: 05/14/2025
What Undercode Say:
Analytics:
- Exploit requires network access to API.
- Attack complexity: Low (no advanced tools needed).
- Impact: Full admin compromise.
Exploit Commands:
1. Enumerate API endpoints:
curl -X GET http://<target>/api/v1/endpoints -H "Authorization: Bearer <low_priv_token>"
2. Escalate privileges via crafted POST:
curl -X POST http://<target>/api/v1/admin/config -H "Authorization: Bearer <low_priv_token>" -d '{"role":"admin"}'
Mitigation Commands:
1. Patch to 8.12.2+:
sudo vRealizeSuiteLifecycleManager --update --product=aria-logs --version=8.12.2
2. Restrict API access:
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s !<trusted_IP> -j DROP
Detection Code (Python):
import requests
response = requests.get("http://<target>/api/v1/users/self", headers={"Authorization": "Bearer <token>"})
if "admin" in response.json().get("roles", []):
print("Vulnerable to CVE-2025-22220")
Patch Analysis:
- VMware fixed improper role validation in `/api/v1/admin/` endpoints.
- Post-patch, all requests now enforce `X-Requested-By` headers.
Workaround:
- Disable non-admin API access:
aria-cli config set api.authz.strict_mode true
Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
