CVE-2005-0444 in Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
VMware before 4.5.2.8848-r5 searches for gdk-pixbuf shared libraries using a path that includes the rrdharan world-writable temporary directory, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0444 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw in VMware virtualization software versions prior to 4.5.2.8848-r5. This issue stems from improper library loading mechanisms that create opportunities for local attackers to gain elevated privileges through malicious code execution. The vulnerability specifically affects the gdk-pixbuf library search path implementation within the VMware environment, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled code can be loaded and executed with the privileges of the running VMware process.
The technical flaw manifests in how VMware handles shared library resolution for gdk-pixbuf components, which are essential for image processing within the virtualization framework. The software incorrectly incorporates the rrdharan world-writable temporary directory into its library search path, a configuration that violates fundamental security principles. This path traversal vulnerability allows local users to place malicious shared libraries in the temporary directory, which are then automatically loaded by the VMware process when it attempts to use gdk-pixbuf functionality. The rrdharan directory, being world-writable, provides an ideal attack surface where unprivileged users can manipulate the library loading process.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to virtualized environments where multiple users share the same host system. Local attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as the attacker can leverage the elevated privileges to manipulate virtual machine configurations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the virtualized infrastructure. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the security boundaries that virtualization platforms are designed to maintain.
The attack vector for CVE-2005-0444 aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through dynamic link library injection and abuse of environment variables. This vulnerability can be classified under CWE-426 as an "Untrusted Search Path" and CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command." The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and improper library loading practices that are common in legacy software implementations. Organizations using affected VMware versions face increased risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, particularly in multi-tenant environments where proper isolation is critical for maintaining security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of VMware installations to version 4.5.2.8848-r5 or later, which addresses the improper library search path implementation. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting write access to temporary directories and monitoring for suspicious library loading activities. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing virtual machine configurations. Organizations should also conduct security assessments to identify other potential path traversal vulnerabilities within their virtualization infrastructure and implement proper privilege separation mechanisms to minimize the impact of similar future vulnerabilities.