Virtualisation security covers hypervisors, virtual machines, and isolated workloads, where flaws or misconfiguration can expose systems and data.
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Background for this topic.
Virtualisation uses software to divide or simulate computing resources so multiple isolated virtual machines (VMs) can share a physical host. Each VM can run its own operating system and applications; a hypervisor controls access to the host’s processors, memory, storage and devices. The term can also include virtual networks and storage, while containers provide a related but less isolated form of workload virtualisation.
Security depends on the hypervisor and its management plane being securely configured, patched and access-controlled. A hypervisor vulnerability or misconfiguration can expose data across VMs, and a VM escape can allow code running in one guest to reach the host or other guests. Virtual machine images, templates and snapshots may retain credentials or sensitive data and therefore require inventory, integrity checks, encryption and controlled retention. Network segmentation between virtual workloads should be enforced through explicit policies rather than assumed from virtual separation. These controls also support reliable investigation and recovery by preserving trustworthy images and records of administrative changes.
Proof-of-concept exploit code is now available online for a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in multiple VMware products that allows attackers to gain admin privileges. [...]
A new ransomware named 'Cheers' has appeared in the cybercrime space and has started its operations by targeting vulnerable VMware ESXi servers. [...]
Proof-of-concept exploit code is about to be published for a vulnerability that allows administrative access without authentication in several VMware products. [...]