CVE-2008-3892 in Player
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in a certain ActiveX control in the COM API in VMware Workstation 5.5.x before 5.5.8 build 108000, VMware Workstation 6.0.x before 6.0.5 build 109488, VMware Player 1.x before 1.0.8 build 108000, VMware Player 2.x before 2.0.5 build 109488, VMware ACE 1.x before 1.0.7 build 108880, VMware ACE 2.x before 2.0.5 build 109488, and VMware Server before 1.0.7 build 108231 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (browser crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a call to the GuestInfo method in which there is a long string argument, and an assignment of a long string value to the result of this call. NOTE: this may overlap CVE-2008-3691, CVE-2008-3692, CVE-2008-3693, CVE-2008-3694, CVE-2008-3695, or CVE-2008-3696.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2024
This vulnerability exists in multiple VMware products including workstation player and server versions prior to specific build numbers, representing a critical buffer overflow condition within the COM API's ActiveX control implementation. The flaw specifically manifests when the GuestInfo method receives excessively long string arguments, creating conditions where memory boundaries are exceeded during string assignment operations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes more data to a buffer than it can hold, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations and leading to unpredictable behavior.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves remote attackers leveraging specially crafted web content or malicious applications that invoke the vulnerable GuestInfo method with oversized string parameters. When the ActiveX control processes these long strings, it fails to properly validate input length before performing memory operations, resulting in buffer overflows that can cause immediate application crashes or potentially allow arbitrary code execution. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through web browsers when viewing malicious content that invokes the vulnerable ActiveX component, making it an attractive target for remote exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected application. This represents a significant risk in enterprise environments where VMware products are commonly used for virtualization, as attackers could potentially compromise virtual machines or gain unauthorized access to underlying host systems. The vulnerability affects a wide range of VMware products including workstation, player, ace, and server editions, indicating a widespread exposure across the VMware ecosystem that would require coordinated patching efforts.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the attack chain defined by MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on initial access vectors through web-based exploitation and privilege escalation techniques that could leverage the buffer overflow for code execution. The overlapping nature with other CVEs from the same period suggests a pattern of similar buffer overflow issues within VMware's COM API implementation, highlighting the need for comprehensive code review and input validation across all ActiveX controls. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions, implement network segmentation to limit exposure, and consider disabling ActiveX controls in browser environments where possible to reduce attack surface. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns or system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts should be part of the overall defensive strategy.