CVE-2006-6410 in Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in an ActiveX control in VMWare 5.5.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long VmdbDb parameter to the Initialize function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6410 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within VMware's ActiveX control component version 5.5.1. This issue resides in the VmdbDb parameter handling mechanism of the Initialize function, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects VMware's virtualization environment and demonstrates the inherent risks associated with poorly validated input parameters in client-side components that are designed to operate with elevated privileges.
This buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient bounds checking when processing the VmdbDb parameter within the ActiveX control's initialization routine. The flaw allows an attacker to provide an excessively long parameter value that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be manipulated to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow according to CWE-121, where the insufficient validation of input data creates an opportunity for memory corruption that can be exploited to redirect program execution flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides local users with the capability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process. In VMware's virtualization context, this could potentially allow attackers to compromise virtual machine environments, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the virtualized infrastructure. The local execution requirement means that attackers must first gain access to a system running the vulnerable VMware version before exploiting this vulnerability, but the privilege escalation potential makes it particularly concerning for environments where local access is possible.
According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and script interpreter execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation techniques. The attack chain typically involves the exploitation of the buffer overflow to inject and execute malicious code within the context of the vulnerable ActiveX control process. The vulnerability demonstrates how ActiveX controls, which are designed to provide extended functionality within web browsers and applications, can become attack vectors when not properly secured against malformed input parameters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-6410 should prioritize immediate patching of VMware 5.5.1 installations with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted ActiveX controls and consider disabling ActiveX controls entirely in environments where they are not strictly required. Network segmentation and privilege separation measures can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security assessments should verify that no other vulnerable ActiveX components exist within the environment. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices, particularly in components that operate with elevated privileges within virtualized environments.