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vCenter Server plugins must be verified.

Overview

Finding IDVersionRule IDIA ControlsSeverity
V-258908VCSA-80-000057SV-258908r934382_ruleCCI-000381medium
Description
The vCenter Server includes a vSphere Client extensibility framework, which provides the ability to extend the vSphere Client with menu selections or toolbar icons that provide access to vCenter Server add-on components or external, web-based functionality. vSphere Client plugins or extensions run at the same privilege level as the user. Malicious extensions might masquerade as useful add-ons while compromising the system by stealing credentials or incorrectly configuring the system. Additionally, vCenter comes with a number of plugins preinstalled that may or may not be necessary for proper operation.
STIGDate
VMware vSphere 8.0 vCenter Security Technical Implementation Guide2023-10-11

Related Frameworks

3 paths across 3 frameworks
NIST 800-531 mapping
CM-7
1.00
  • DISA · V1R1 · disa_xccdf · related
  • DISA · 2025-01-23 · disa_cci_list · equivalent
NIST 800-1711 mapping
3.4.6
1.00
  • DISA · V1R1 · disa_xccdf · related
  • DISA · 2025-01-23 · disa_cci_list · equivalent
  • NIST · Rev 2 (Feb 2020, errata Jan 2021) · nist_800_171_app_d · equivalent
CCI1 mapping
CCI-000381
1.00
  • DISA · V1R1 · disa_xccdf · related

Details

Check Text (C-258908r934382_chk)

From the vSphere Client, go to Administration >> Solutions >> Client Plug-Ins. View the Installed/Available Plug-ins list and verify they are all identified as authorized VMware, third-party (partner), and/or site-specific approved plug-ins. If any installed/available plug-ins in the viewable list cannot be verified as allowed vSphere Client plug-ins from trusted sources or are not in active use, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-62557r934381_fix)

From the vSphere Client, go to Administration >> Solutions >> Client Plug-Ins, click the radio button next to the unknown plug-in, and click "Disable". If the plugin will not be needed in the future, proceed to uninstall the plug-in. To uninstall plug-ins, do the following: If vCenter Server is in linked mode, perform this procedure on the vCenter Server that is used to install the plug-in initially and then restart the vCenter Server services on the linked vCenter Server: In a web browser, navigate to "http://vCenter_Server_name_or_IP/mob", where "vCenter_Server_name_or_IP/mob" is the name of the vCenter Server or its IP address. Click "Content". Click "ExtensionManager". Select and copy the name of the plug-in to be removed from the list of values under "Properties". Click "UnregisterExtension". A new window appears. Paste the name of the plug-in and click "Invoke Method". This removes the plug-in. Close the window. Refresh the Managed Object Type:ManagedObjectReference:ExtensionManager window to verify the plug-in is removed successfully. Note: If the plug-in still appears, restart the vSphere Client. Note: The Managed Object Browser (MOB) may have to be enabled temporarily if it was disabled previously.