CVE-2010-1141 in Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
VMware Tools in VMware Workstation 6.5.x before 6.5.4 build 246459; VMware Player 2.5.x before 2.5.4 build 246459; VMware ACE 2.5.x before 2.5.4 build 246459; VMware Server 2.x before 2.0.2 build 203138; VMware Fusion 2.x before 2.0.6 build 246742; VMware ESXi 3.5 and 4.0; and VMware ESX 2.5.5, 3.0.3, 3.5, and 4.0 does not properly access libraries, which allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by tricking a Windows guest OS user into clicking on a file that is stored on a network share.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting multiple VMware virtualization products including workstation player ace server fusion esxi and esx platforms. The issue stems from improper library access controls within VMware tools that fail to properly validate or restrict access to shared libraries during guest operating system execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to the mentioned build numbers where the library loading mechanism lacks adequate security checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious files stored on network shares that, when accessed by a Windows guest operating system, trigger the execution of arbitrary code on the host system. This user-assisted remote attack vector requires social engineering to convince the victim to interact with the malicious file, but once triggered, provides attackers with elevated privileges that bypass normal security boundaries between guest and host environments.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of dynamic library loading processes within VMware's virtualization stack. When a Windows guest operating system attempts to access files stored on network shares, the VMware tools fail to properly validate the library paths or implement adequate access controls. This creates a condition where malicious libraries can be loaded and executed with the privileges of the host system process. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, as it involves insecure library loading mechanisms and improper handling of file paths that can be manipulated by attackers. The attack requires a victim to interact with a malicious file, making it a user-assisted remote code execution vulnerability that leverages the trust relationship between the guest operating system and the host's virtualization infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete compromise of the host system and potentially the entire virtualization environment. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges that allow them to access sensitive data, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or establish persistence within the virtualized infrastructure. The vulnerability affects multiple VMware products across different virtualization platforms, creating widespread exposure across enterprise environments that rely on VMware solutions. Organizations running affected versions of VMware products face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches, as the vulnerability can be exploited from external networks without requiring direct system access. The attack vector through network shares particularly amplifies the risk since many enterprise environments have extensive file sharing infrastructure that attackers can leverage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected VMware products to the recommended build versions that contain proper library access controls. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of network shares to trusted users only, while also monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. Security teams should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which libraries can be loaded by VMware tools, and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify systems running outdated versions. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it addresses the root cause of privilege escalation through improper library loading. Additionally, implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual library loading behavior or attempts to access files from network shares can provide early warning of exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to ensure all virtualization components remain current with security patches.