CVE-2016-7080 in Tools
Summary
by MITRE
The graphic acceleration functions in VMware Tools 9.x and 10.x before 10.0.9 on OS X allow local users to gain privileges or cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference) via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-7079.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7080 affects VMware Tools versions 9.x and 10.x before 10.0.9 on macOS operating systems, specifically targeting the graphic acceleration functions within the virtualization environment. This issue represents a critical security flaw that could potentially allow attackers to escalate privileges or disrupt system operations through a NULL pointer dereference condition. The vulnerability operates within the VMware Tools framework that facilitates enhanced graphics performance in virtualized macOS environments, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on virtualized macOS workstations. Unlike CVE-2016-7079 which addresses different attack vectors, this vulnerability specifically targets the graphics acceleration subsystem that handles graphical operations within the virtual machine environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory references within the graphic acceleration functions of VMware Tools. When the system processes certain graphical operations, it fails to properly validate pointer references, leading to a scenario where a NULL pointer dereference occurs. This memory management error typically manifests when the software attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly initialized or allocated, resulting in system instability or potential privilege escalation. The flaw exists in the kernel-level components of VMware Tools that manage graphics processing, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a level that can bypass standard user-space protections. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it affects the core graphics acceleration functionality that many macOS applications rely upon within virtualized environments.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable privilege escalation attacks that could allow local users to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Attackers could exploit this condition to gain unauthorized access to system resources or to compromise the integrity of the virtualized macOS environment. The NULL pointer dereference could also cause system crashes or freezes, leading to denial of service conditions that disrupt legitimate user activities and business operations. Organizations utilizing VMware virtual machines with macOS guests would be particularly vulnerable, as this flaw affects the fundamental graphics processing capabilities that enable smooth user experiences in virtualized environments. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple major versions of VMware Tools indicates a systemic issue in the memory management implementation that required patching across the entire product line.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily involve updating VMware Tools to version 10.0.9 or later, which includes patches addressing the memory management issues in the graphic acceleration functions. System administrators should prioritize applying these updates across all affected virtual machines, particularly those running macOS guests where the vulnerability is most prevalent. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit local user access to virtual machines, reducing the attack surface for privilege escalation attempts. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual memory access patterns or system crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls and privilege separation mechanisms to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which addresses NULL pointer dereference conditions, and represents a potential pathway for ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and system privileges. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar memory management flaws in virtualization components, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar threats that may arise from improper pointer validation in system-level software components.