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CVE-2021-21975 is a server-side request forgery vulnerability in the VMware vRealize Operations Manager API affecting versions before 8.4. An unauthenticated actor with network access to the API can exploit the flaw to cause server-side requests and steal administrator credentials.
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2 valid exploits after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (3 hidden).
This repository contains a single Metasploit module (Ruby file) that exploits two vulnerabilities in VMware vRealize Operations Manager: a pre-auth SSRF (CVE-2021-21975) and a post-auth file write (CVE-2021-21983). The exploit works by first leaking admin credentials via a crafted SSRF request to the '/casa/nodes/thumbprints' endpoint, then using those credentials to upload a malicious JSP webshell to the '/casa/private/config/slice/ha/certificate' endpoint. The webshell is written to the server's web directory and then executed via an HTTP GET request, resulting in remote code execution as the 'admin' Unix user. The module is weaponized, allowing the attacker to specify a Metasploit payload (default: java/jsp_shell_reverse_tcp) for full remote access. The exploit targets VMware vROps versions 7.0.0 through 8.2.0 on Linux. The code is well-structured, leverages Metasploit's HttpClient and FileDropper mixins, and provides automatic cleanup of artifacts. Notable endpoints include the SSRF and file upload URLs, as well as the file path and HTTP endpoint for the uploaded JSP payload.
The repository 'REALITY_SMASHER' is a Go-based exploit targeting VMware vRealize Operations, specifically leveraging CVE-2021-21975 (SSRF) and CVE-2021-21983 (arbitrary file write), as well as an additional privilege escalation vulnerability. The exploit automates the process of stealing admin credentials via SSRF, enabling SSH on the target, overwriting the admin properties file to reset the admin password, and escalating privileges to root by injecting an SSH key into /root/.ssh/authorized_keys. The exploit then restores the original credentials and provides an interactive SSH shell as root. The repository includes a single main Go file (REALITY_SMASHER.go), a README with detailed usage and explanation, and a certificate/key pair (server.crt/server.key) used for the HTTPS listener required during the SSRF phase. The exploit is operational and provides a full attack chain from initial access to root shell, with all network and file endpoints clearly defined in the code.
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7 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
A specific vulnerability mentioned only in a listed exploit possibly used by BlackTech; no further details are provided.
A VMware vRealize Operations vulnerability used with CVE-2021-21983 in an unauthenticated code execution exploit.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
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Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.