Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)Cloud Concepts, Architecture and DesignHard
A cloud security architect is reviewing an incident where an attacker exploited a vulnerability in a web application to gain unauthorized access to an underlying virtual machine. The attacker then used escalated privileges on the VM to access other VMs on the same physical host. Which type of attack vector is described in this scenario?
- ACross-site scripting (XSS)
- BDenial of service (DoS)
- CVirtualization escape
- DSide-channel attack
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Virtualization escape
A virtualization escape occurs when an attacker breaks out of a virtual machine and gains access to the underlying hypervisor or other virtual machines on the same physical host, precisely matching the scenario described.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. XSS is a client-side web application vulnerability, not an attack on the virtualization layer.
- B. DoS attacks aim to make a service unavailable, not to gain access to underlying infrastructure or other VMs.
- D. Side-channel attacks exploit information leakage from physical implementation (e.g., timing, power consumption), not direct VM breakout.
Virtualization Escape
A security vulnerability or exploit that allows an attacker to break out of a guest virtual machine and gain unauthorized access to the host operating system (hypervisor) or other virtual machines running on the same host.
- Considered a highly severe threat in virtualized environments.
- Can compromise the isolation between virtual machines.
- Requires robust hypervisor security and patching.
Memory trick: Virtualization Escape: The VM is a 'cage', and the attacker 'escapes' it.