CVE-2008-1363 in Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
VMware Workstation 6.0.x before 6.0.3 and 5.5.x before 5.5.6, VMware Player 2.0.x before 2.0.3 and 1.0.x before 1.0.6, VMware ACE 2.0.x before 2.0.1 and 1.0.x before 1.0.5, and VMware Server 1.0.x before 1.0.5 on Windows allow local users to gain privileges via an unspecified manipulation of a config.ini file located in an Application Data folder, which can be used for "hijacking the VMX process."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2025
This vulnerability involves a privilege escalation flaw in multiple VMware products affecting versions prior to specific patch releases. The issue stems from improper handling of configuration files within the Application Data folder structure, creating a path traversal and file manipulation opportunity that allows local attackers to elevate their privileges. The vulnerability specifically targets the config.ini file which serves as a critical configuration element for VMware virtual machine processes, enabling attackers to manipulate the virtualization environment through indirect means.
The technical flaw exploits the lack of proper file validation and access controls within VMware's configuration management system. When the affected VMware products process the config.ini file located in the Application Data folder, they fail to implement adequate checks to prevent unauthorized modification or manipulation by local users. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious configuration entries that can be loaded by the VMX process, which represents the core virtual machine monitor component. The vulnerability operates under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal, where the attacker manipulates file paths to access restricted resources, and CWE-264 Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls, as the system fails to enforce proper access restrictions on critical configuration files.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to gain elevated privileges on systems running affected VMware products. An attacker who can modify the config.ini file can potentially hijack the VMX process to execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than the original user context. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can maintain elevated access even after initial compromise, as the hijacked process continues to operate with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects a broad range of VMware products including Workstation, Player, ACE, and Server, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple VMware products may be in use.
The attack scenario typically begins with a local user gaining access to the Application Data folder where the config.ini file resides, followed by manipulation of the file contents to include malicious configuration directives. The system then loads these modified configurations during VMX process initialization, effectively allowing the attacker to inject malicious code or modify process behavior. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through the use of local system manipulation and file system access to achieve elevated privileges. The exploitation requires local system access but does not require network connectivity, making it particularly concerning as it can be leveraged by users who already have access to the system through legitimate means.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper file access controls and privilege separation for configuration files within the Application Data folder structure. System administrators should ensure that affected VMware products are updated to the latest patch releases that address this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing file integrity monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized modifications to critical configuration files. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting write access to VMware configuration files and ensuring that only authorized administrators can modify these critical system components. Regular security audits of VMware installations should include verification of proper file permissions and configuration file integrity to prevent exploitation of this class of vulnerability.