CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) has taken action by adding a newly identified vulnerability to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog. This specific vulnerability, labeled CVE-2023-34048, pertains to an out-of-bounds write flaw in VMware vCenter Server’s implementation of the DCERPC protocol. It exposes vCenter Server to potential exploitation by malicious actors with network access, potentially leading to remote code execution. Given the severity of these vulnerabilities, they are recognized as common attack vectors for cyber threats, posing significant risks to federal enterprise systems.
The announcement aligns with Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01, known as “Reducing the Significant Risk of Known Exploited Vulnerabilities,” which established the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog as a dynamic list of CVEs carrying substantial risks for federal enterprise networks. BOD 22-01 mandates Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies to address identified vulnerabilities by set due dates to safeguard networks against active threats. While the directive is specifically for FCEB agencies, CISA strongly advocates that all organizations prioritize timely remediation of cataloged vulnerabilities as part of their broader vulnerability management practices.
The disclosed vulnerability underscores CISA’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity resilience by proactively identifying and addressing potential threats. The agency emphasizes the ongoing nature of the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, with CISA continually adding vulnerabilities meeting specified criteria to ensure comprehensive coverage. As the threat landscape evolves, CISA encourages organizations to remain vigilant and swiftly address identified vulnerabilities to bolster their cybersecurity posture.
