CVE-2021-21974: OpenSLP as used in ESXi (7.0 before ESXi70U1c-17325551, 6.7 before ESXi670-202102401-SG, 6.5 before ESXi650...
OpenSLP as used in ESXi (7.0 before ESXi70U1c-17325551, 6.7 before ESXi670-202102401-SG, 6.5 before ESXi650-202102101-SG) has a heap-overflow vulnerability. A malicious actor residing within the same network segment as ESXi who has access to port 427 may be able to trigger the heap-overflow issue in OpenSLP service resulting in remote code execution.
Security readout for executives and security teams
This flaw affects VMware ESXi OpenSLP. An attacker already on the same network segment as a vulnerable host could reach port 427 and potentially run code on the hypervisor. Because ESXi hosts underpin many workloads, compromise could threaten confidentiality, integrity, and availability across virtualized systems. Organizations running older VMware ESXi 7.0, 6.7, or 6.5 builds, or VMware Cloud Foundation 4.x before 4.2 and 3.x, are the likely exposure group. Risk is highest where ESXi port 427 is reachable from shared management, server, or adjacent network segments. Treat this as high priority for virtualization environments. It is not listed as KEV in the bundle, but the potential impact is severe because successful exploitation could affect the hypervisor layer supporting many systems. Mitigation focus: Apply the VMware fixed ESXi builds or later versions named in VMSA-2021-0002.; Upgrade VMware Cloud Foundation according to VMware guidance for affected 4.x and 3.x releases.; Restrict access to ESXi port 427 to trusted management networks only..
Prepared
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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cwe · low confidence lookup
CWE-787: Exact CWE lookup
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The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
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1CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
2ADP providers
3Source links
SSVC decision data
CISA-ADPCISA Coordinator
Timestamp
Version
2.0.3
Exploitation: pocAutomatable: noTechnical Impact: total
CVSS vector scores
1 official score
We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
CWE-787 · source CWE mapping
Out-of-bounds Write
Out-of-bounds Write represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.