CVE-2001-1059 in Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
VMWare creates a temporary file vmware-log.USERNAME with insecure permissions, which allows local users to read or modify license information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1059 represents a classic case of insecure temporary file creation within the VMware virtualization platform. This issue stems from the improper handling of temporary files during the software installation or operation process, where VMware generates a file named vmware-log.USERNAME with weak permission settings. The flaw exists at the system-level file management implementation where the temporary file lacks appropriate access controls, creating an avenue for privilege escalation and information disclosure.
This vulnerability operates through a fundamental security misconfiguration in file permission handling, specifically categorized under CWE-732 - Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource. The insecure permissions allow any local user on the system to access the temporary file containing license information, which constitutes sensitive data that should remain protected. The file creation process does not properly implement the principle of least privilege, as the temporary file is created with permissions that permit unauthorized access rather than restricting access to the intended user or process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables local users to potentially modify license information within the temporary file. This modification capability creates opportunities for license tampering, which could lead to unauthorized use of software licenses or bypass of licensing restrictions. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the software licensing mechanism and could potentially be exploited to gain unauthorized access to premium features or to circumvent license validation processes.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1074.001 - Data Staged, where adversaries stage data to facilitate further exploitation. The insecure temporary file creation process provides a readily available staging ground for attackers to access sensitive license information. The vulnerability also relates to T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as local users with legitimate access could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized privileges or access. The low complexity of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share the same system or where privilege escalation opportunities exist.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve implementing proper file permission controls during temporary file creation, ensuring that files are created with restrictive permissions that limit access to authorized users only. System administrators should verify that temporary files are created with appropriate access controls using umask settings or explicit permission specifications. The recommended approach includes implementing proper file handling procedures that follow security best practices, such as creating temporary files with the minimum required permissions and ensuring that sensitive information is not stored in easily accessible locations. Additionally, regular security audits of temporary file creation processes and permission settings should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper resource management in preventing unauthorized access to sensitive system information.