CVE-2016-5329 in Fusion
Summary
by MITRE
VMware Fusion 8.x before 8.5 on OS X, when System Integrity Protection (SIP) is enabled, allows local users to determine kernel memory addresses and bypass the kASLR protection mechanism via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2022
This vulnerability affects VMware Fusion 8.x versions prior to 8.5 on macOS systems with System Integrity Protection (SIP) enabled. The flaw represents a significant security issue that undermines multiple kernel-level protections through improper information disclosure mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the kernel address space layout randomization (kASLR) protection, which is a critical defense-in-depth mechanism designed to make exploitation of kernel vulnerabilities more difficult by randomizing memory layout addresses.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls within the virtualization layer when SIP is active. Attackers can leverage unspecified vectors to extract kernel memory addresses, effectively compromising the confidentiality of system memory layout information. This information disclosure directly enables more sophisticated exploitation techniques that would otherwise be impossible due to the randomized memory addresses. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, providing attackers with precise memory layout information that can be used to bypass multiple security mitigations simultaneously.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables local attackers to perform advanced exploitation techniques that rely on knowledge of kernel memory addresses. This includes but is not limited to kernel pointer dereference attacks, return-oriented programming (ROP) chain construction, and other advanced exploitation methods that depend on precise memory layout information. The vulnerability essentially provides an information leak that can be combined with other exploits to achieve complete system compromise. From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level security mechanisms.
The flaw demonstrates a failure in proper kernel memory management and information disclosure controls, which can be categorized under CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-264 (Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls). The vulnerability's existence indicates insufficient sandboxing and isolation mechanisms within the virtualization environment, particularly when SIP is enabled. Security researchers have noted that this type of information disclosure vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be used as a stepping stone for more severe exploits. The vulnerability affects systems where both VMware Fusion and SIP are active, creating a specific attack surface that requires careful monitoring and remediation.
Organizations should immediately update to VMware Fusion 8.5 or later versions to address this vulnerability, as the patch includes proper kernel memory access controls and information disclosure mitigations. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for unusual kernel memory access patterns and ensure that SIP remains enabled while updating virtualization software. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date virtualization software and understanding how hypervisor security mechanisms interact with operating system security features. From a compliance standpoint, this vulnerability would likely trigger security audit findings related to information disclosure and privilege escalation controls, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both host and guest operating system security configurations.