CVE-2016-7085 in Workstation
Summary
by MITRE
Untrusted search path vulnerability in the installer in VMware Workstation Pro 12.x before 12.5.0 and VMware Workstation Player 12.x before 12.5.0 on Windows allows local users to gain privileges via a Trojan horse DLL in an unspecified directory.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7085 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the installer component of VMware Workstation Pro and Player versions prior to 12.5.0 on Windows operating systems. This flaw resides in the installation process where the system fails to properly validate the source of dynamically linked libraries during the setup procedure. The vulnerability stems from the installer's improper handling of the dynamic link library (dll) search order, which allows malicious actors to place a specially crafted Trojan horse dll file in a directory that gets prioritized in the search path. The weakness creates a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local users who have access to the system. According to CWE-427, this vulnerability falls under the category of uncontrolled search path, which is a well-documented weakness in software security. The issue is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified under ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for enterprise security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the VMware installer processes the system path and encounters a malicious dll file that has been placed in a directory that is searched before the legitimate system directories. This typically happens when a user with standard privileges places a crafted dll in a location that gets prioritized in the PATH environment variable or in a directory that is part of the search path during the installation process. The installer then loads this malicious dll instead of the intended legitimate dll, causing the malicious code to execute with the privileges of the installer process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between the installer and the system's library loading mechanism, allowing the malicious code to run with elevated privileges that would normally be restricted. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to a local user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and persistent backdoor access. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on the system, modify system configurations, install additional malware, or establish persistent access points. The vulnerability affects both VMware Workstation Pro and Player editions, making it a widespread concern across different user segments. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant risk as the exploit requires minimal user interaction and can be executed silently in the background. The vulnerability also impacts the overall security posture of systems where VMware is installed, as it can be used as a stepping stone for further attacks within a network. According to industry best practices and security frameworks, this vulnerability represents a critical risk that requires immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7085 focus primarily on updating to patched versions of VMware Workstation Pro and Player, specifically versions 12.5.0 and later. VMware released patches that address the untrusted search path issue by implementing proper validation of library paths and ensuring that only trusted dll files are loaded during the installation process. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as restricting write access to directories in the system PATH, monitoring for unusual dll loading activities, and conducting regular security audits of installed software components. The implementation of application whitelisting solutions can provide additional protection by restricting which dll files can be loaded and executed on the system. Security teams should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring to detect suspicious installation activities or dll loading patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other software components and ensure comprehensive protection against privilege escalation attacks.