CVE-2016-7082 in Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
VMware Workstation Pro 12.x before 12.5.0 and VMware Workstation Player 12.x before 12.5.0 on Windows, when Cortado ThinPrint virtual printing is enabled, allow guest OS users to execute arbitrary code on the host OS or cause a denial of service (host OS memory corruption) via an EMF file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2022
This vulnerability exists in VMware Workstation Pro and Player versions prior to 12.5.0 on Windows platforms where the Cortado ThinPrint virtual printing feature is enabled. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of Enhanced Metafile (EMF) files processed by the virtual printing component. When a guest operating system user uploads or processes an EMF file through the thinprint functionality, the host system fails to properly validate the file structure and content, creating a potential code execution pathway. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when the host system attempts to process maliciously crafted EMF data that exceeds allocated memory boundaries. This issue represents a critical privilege escalation vector since guest users can leverage the virtual printing interface to execute arbitrary code on the host system with the same privileges as the VMware process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a specially formatted EMF file that triggers memory corruption during the parsing process within the Cortado ThinPrint component. When the host system processes this malformed file, it can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing an attacker to inject and execute malicious code in the context of the VMware host process. The memory corruption can manifest as either arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions, depending on the specific nature of the buffer overflow. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter usage, as the exploitation can lead to arbitrary code execution on the host system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction from the host side, as the vulnerability is triggered through normal virtual printing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential system compromise and data exfiltration. An attacker with access to the guest operating system can gain unauthorized control over the host system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The denial of service component of this vulnerability can cause system instability and prevent legitimate use of the virtual machine environment. Organizations running affected VMware Workstation versions face significant risk, particularly in environments where guest operating systems are not trusted or where multiple users share the same virtualization infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core virtualization functionality and can undermine the security isolation that virtual machines are designed to provide. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to escape the guest environment and establish persistence on the host system, making it a critical concern for enterprise security teams managing virtualized environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of VMware Workstation Pro and Player to version 12.5.0 or later, which addresses the EMF file processing issues in the Cortado ThinPrint component. Organizations should disable the Cortado ThinPrint feature entirely if it is not required for their operations, as this eliminates the attack surface entirely. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit guest user privileges and reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual EMF file processing activities within virtualized environments, and regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potential attack vectors. System administrators should also consider implementing host-based intrusion detection systems and memory protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The patching process should be prioritized and tested in controlled environments before deployment to production systems to ensure compatibility and prevent service disruption. Additionally, regular security awareness training for administrators can help prevent accidental activation of vulnerable features and improve overall security posture.