CVE-2004-2515 in Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in VMware Workstation 4.5.2 build-8848, if running with elevated privileges, might allow local users to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in command line arguments. NOTE: it is not clear if there are any default or typical circumstances under which VMware would be running with privileges beyond those already available to the attackers, so this might not be a vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2515 represents a format string vulnerability within VMware Workstation version 4.5.2 build-8848 that could potentially enable local users to execute arbitrary code when the application operates with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of software security flaws that occur when program input is processed through functions like printf or sprintf without proper validation of format specifiers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when VMware Workstation processes command line arguments that contain format string specifiers, creating an opportunity for malicious input manipulation.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the application's command line argument parsing mechanism. When VMware Workstation encounters format string specifiers in command line parameters, it fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before using them in formatting functions. This creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious command line arguments that contain format string specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n, which can lead to memory corruption, information disclosure, or code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the privilege level of the running VMware process, meaning that if the application is executing with elevated permissions, the attacker could potentially leverage this to gain higher privileges or execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability depends heavily on the execution context of VMware Workstation itself. As noted in the original description, the actual exploitability of this vulnerability is contingent upon whether VMware Workstation is running with privileges beyond those normally available to local users. This is a critical factor because if VMware is running with standard user privileges, the attack surface is significantly reduced. However, if the application is configured to run with elevated privileges or if it is invoked through mechanisms that provide additional permissions, the potential for exploitation increases substantially. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings in applications where user input is used as a format string without proper validation.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and code execution. The attack vector would involve an attacker crafting command line arguments containing malicious format specifiers and then executing them through VMware Workstation. This approach could potentially lead to privilege escalation if the application is running with elevated permissions. The vulnerability also relates to techniques involving input validation failures and memory corruption, which are common attack patterns in software exploitation. The fact that this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability means that it primarily affects systems where local users have access to the vulnerable application, though the impact is amplified when the application runs with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most direct solution involves updating to a patched version of VMware Workstation that properly validates and sanitizes command line arguments before processing them as format strings. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that VMware Workstation is not running with unnecessary elevated privileges, as this significantly reduces the attack surface. The implementation of proper input validation mechanisms, including the use of fixed format strings instead of user-controlled format specifiers, would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation techniques and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other software components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for comprehensive input validation in all applications, particularly those that handle user-supplied data in critical system functions.