CVE-2005-2939 in workstation
Summary
by MITRE
unquoted windows search path vulnerability in vmware workstation 5.0.0 build-13124 might allow local users to gain privileges via a malicious "program.exe" file in the c: folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2939 represents a critical security flaw in VMware Workstation 5.0.0 build-13124 that stems from improper handling of unquoted search paths within the Windows operating system. This issue specifically affects the way the virtualization software resolves executable paths when launching applications, creating a potential privilege escalation vector that could be exploited by local attackers. The vulnerability resides in the Windows path resolution mechanism where the system searches for executables in a specific order, and when path names are not properly quoted, the operating system may interpret the path incorrectly, leading to unexpected behavior.
The technical flaw manifests when VMware Workstation attempts to execute programs using paths that contain spaces but lack proper quotation marks. In Windows environments, when a path contains spaces and is not quoted, the operating system treats the path as multiple separate arguments, causing the system to search for executables in directories that may not be intended. In this specific case, if a malicious program named "program.exe" is placed in the C: root directory, the unquoted search path vulnerability could cause the system to execute this malicious file instead of the intended legitimate program. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates an opportunity for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it could potentially allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Attackers could exploit this weakness by placing malicious executables in strategic locations within the system, particularly in directories that are searched before legitimate system directories. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where VMware Workstation might be used by users with varying privilege levels, as it could enable a low-privilege attacker to escalate their privileges to system level. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system by allowing unauthorized code execution, potentially leading to data theft, system compromise, or further lateral movement within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-2939 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to a patched version of VMware Workstation that properly handles quoted search paths and implements secure path resolution mechanisms. Organizations should also implement strict file system permissions and audit access to critical directories, particularly the root C: directory where malicious executables could be placed. Security administrators should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar unquoted path vulnerabilities in other software applications and system components. The implementation of application whitelisting policies, such as those defined in the Microsoft Security Response Center guidelines, can prevent unauthorized executables from running in critical system locations. Additionally, regular system monitoring for suspicious file creation in system directories and network-based detection of exploitation attempts should be established to provide early warning capabilities. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper path handling in system software development, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing including static code analysis and dynamic vulnerability scanning as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.