CVE-2022-22948: VMware vCenter Server Incorrect Default File Permissions Vulnerability

CVE-2022-22948 is an incorrect default file permissions vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server. It allows a remote, privileged attacker to gain access to sensitive information stored on the system. Because vCenter Server is a central management platform for virtualized infrastructure, exposure of sensitive data can undermine administrative credentials, configuration details, or other operational secrets that defenders rely on to keep environments isolated and controlled.

Organizations running vCenter Server should treat this as a priority for inventory and remediation. Confirm all version and configuration specifics against the vendor advisory before taking action.

How it works

The flaw belongs to CWE-276: Incorrect Default Permissions. In this class of weakness, files or directories are created or installed with permissions that are more permissive than necessary. A remote attacker who already holds privileged access can leverage those overly broad permissions to read sensitive information that should have been restricted.

Abuse does not require inventing new attack chains; it simply means a privileged remote actor can reach and extract data that the default file-system ACLs fail to protect. Exact file paths, permission masks, and retrieval methods are not detailed here and must be confirmed against the vendor advisory for the specific product release in use.

Am I affected? How to find it in your systems

VMware vCenter Server typically runs as a dedicated appliance or Windows-based installation that manages ESXi hosts, virtual machines, and related services. It is commonly found in data-center management networks, often with high privileges and connectivity to storage, networking, and identity systems.

• Inventory all vCenter Server instances by querying asset databases, CMDB records, network discovery tools, or VMware management consoles.
• Record the exact build or release of each instance and compare it against the list of affected versions published in the vendor advisory.
• Review file-system permissions on the appliance or host for any objects that the advisory identifies as having incorrect defaults; look for world-readable or group-readable sensitive files that should be restricted.
• Examine authentication and access logs for unusual privileged sessions originating from unexpected remote sources, especially those that coincide with file-access events on sensitive paths.
• If centralized logging or EDR is present, search for indicators of bulk file reads or unexpected process access to configuration or credential stores.

Any positive match requires immediate confirmation against the vendor advisory rather than reliance on generic version ranges.

How to remediate

Apply the vendor-supplied update or patch that addresses CVE-2022-22948 as the primary remediation. Follow the installation and reboot guidance published by VMware for the specific release of vCenter Server in your environment.

• After patching, re-verify file permissions on the previously affected objects to ensure they now match the hardened defaults.
• For this class of weakness, enforce least-privilege file-system ACLs as a standing practice: restrict ownership to the service account that requires access and remove unnecessary group or other read rights.
• Harden the management network by limiting remote privileged access to vCenter Server through jump hosts, bastion services, or multi-factor authentication.
• Document the change and re-scan the inventory to confirm no unpatched instances remain.

If the advisory offers additional configuration steps beyond the patch, implement those as well. Discontinue use of the product only if mitigations are unavailable, per CISA guidance.

If you can't patch immediately

Until the vendor update can be applied, reduce exposure with compensating controls that limit both the attack surface and the value of any data that might be read.

• Segment vCenter Server onto a tightly controlled management network; block unnecessary inbound remote access and restrict outbound connectivity.
• Apply virtual patching or WAF rules if a network security device can detect and block attempts to access the sensitive files referenced in the advisory.
• Temporarily disable or restrict any non-essential remote management interfaces or services that increase the privileged remote attack surface.
• Increase monitoring: alert on privileged logons, unexpected file-access patterns, and any process that opens sensitive configuration or credential stores.
• Rotate any credentials or secrets that could be present in the files of concern, treating them as potentially exposed until the permissions are corrected.

These measures lower risk but do not replace the vendor patch; schedule the update as soon as operationally feasible.

If your data may have been exposed

Actively exploited vulnerabilities of this type can lead to breaches in which sensitive operational data is exfiltrated. Because ransomware use is not documented for this CVE, focus on credential and configuration exposure rather than assuming encryption events. Review access logs for signs of unauthorized privileged activity, rotate any secrets that may have been readable, and assess whether downstream systems that trust vCenter Server need additional scrutiny. Readers can run a free exposure scan of their email address to check whether that address appears in known breach data sets.