VMware View Planner - RCE (CVE-2021-21978)

CVE-2021-21978 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability due to improper input validation and missing authorization in the logupload web application. Attackers with network access can exploit this flaw to upload and execute arbitrary files, potentially gaining full control over the affected container. This vulnerability could be leveraged for further lateral movement, data theft, or disruption of services within the targeted environment.

CrowdSec has been tracking this vulnerability and its exploits since 10th of July 2025.

Based on data from the CrowdSec network, nearly all observed exploitation of CVE-2021-21978 is fully opportunistic, with attackers indiscriminately scanning the entire internet. These attacks are automated and lack any form of target selection or reconnaissance. CrowdSec network telemetry also shows that exploitation of CVE-2021-21978 has significantly declined over the past week. Attack volumes are well below the long-term average, suggesting attackers are rapidly losing interest. The vulnerability appears to be falling out of active use across most threat landscapes.

Attackers exploit the /logupload endpoint of VMware View Planner by sending a POST request with a crafted logMetaData parameter containing path traversal sequences, enabling arbitrary file upload and potential remote code execution.