CVE-2021-26987
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote code execution on systems running vulnerable versions of the Element Plug-in for vCenter Server. Attackers can exploit a flaw in the SpringBoot Framework to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. All organizations using Element Plug-in for vCenter Server with Management Services versions prior to 2.17.56 or Management Node versions through 12.2 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Element Plug-in for vCenter Server
📦 What is this software?
Element Plug In For Vcenter Server by Netapp
View all CVEs affecting Element Plug In For Vcenter Server →
Management Services For Element Software And Netapp Hci by Netapp
View all CVEs affecting Management Services For Element Software And Netapp Hci →
Solidfire \& Hci Management Node by Netapp
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal sensitive data, deploy ransomware, or pivot to other network resources.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to data exfiltration, credential theft, and lateral movement within the vCenter environment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring are in place to detect and block exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
CVSS 9.8 indicates critical severity with low attack complexity and no authentication required.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Management Services 2.17.56 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20210315-0001/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Management Services version 2.17.56 or later from NetApp support site. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Apply the update following NetApp's upgrade documentation. 4. Restart affected services.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate vCenter servers with Element Plug-in from internet and restrict internal access.
Access Control Lists
allImplement strict firewall rules to limit access to vCenter management interfaces.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate affected systems
- Deploy intrusion detection/prevention systems to monitor for exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Element Plug-in version in vCenter Server management interface or via NetApp management console.Check Version:
Check via vCenter Server web interface or NetApp management tools specific to your deployment.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify Management Services version is 2.17.56 or later and Management Node version is above 12.2.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process execution from vCenter services
- Unexpected network connections from vCenter servers
- Authentication anomalies in vCenter logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from vCenter servers
- Suspicious payloads in HTTP requests to vCenter management interfaces
SIEM Query:
source="vcenter" AND (event_type="process_execution" OR event_type="network_connection") AND severity="critical"