CVE-2011-1126 in VIX API
Summary
by MITRE
VMware vmrun, as used in VIX API 1.x before 1.10.3 and VMware Workstation 6.5.x and 7.x before 7.1.4 build 385536 on Linux, might allow local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse shared library in an unspecified directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1126 represents a privilege escalation issue within VMware's vmrun utility that forms part of the VIX API 1.x framework. This flaw exists in versions prior to 1.10.3 of the VIX API and affects VMware Workstation 6.5.x and 7.x versions before 7.1.4 build 385536 on Linux systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of shared library loading mechanisms, creating opportunities for local attackers to elevate their privileges through malicious library injection techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the way vmrun processes shared libraries during execution. When vmrun runs with elevated privileges, it may inadvertently load malicious shared libraries from directories that are not properly secured or validated. This Trojan horse approach leverages the dynamic linking mechanism where the system searches for required libraries in a predefined order, potentially including directories that local users can modify. The flaw specifically manifests when the utility encounters a shared library with the same name as a legitimate system library, but with malicious code, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain full control over affected systems. Local users who can write to specific directories can craft malicious shared libraries that will be loaded by vmrun when executed with elevated permissions. This creates a persistent threat vector where attackers can establish backdoors, modify system configurations, or extract sensitive information from the compromised system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where standard users might attempt to exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected VMware products to versions 1.10.3 or later for VIX API and 7.1.4 build 385536 or later for VMware Workstation. System administrators should also implement proper directory permissions and file integrity monitoring to prevent unauthorized modifications to library directories. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which describes the insecure loading of dynamic libraries, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and implement additional security controls such as mandatory access controls and privilege separation mechanisms to reduce the attack surface.