CVE-2017-7642 in vagrant-vmware-fusion
Summary
by MITRE
The sudo helper in the HashiCorp Vagrant VMware Fusion plugin (aka vagrant-vmware-fusion) before 4.0.21 allows local users to gain root privileges by leveraging failure to verify the path to the encoded ruby script or scrub the PATH variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2017-7642 affects the HashiCorp Vagrant VMware Fusion plugin version 4.0.20 and earlier, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that enables local attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges. This issue resides within the sudo helper component of the vagrant-vmware-fusion plugin, which is designed to facilitate VMware Fusion integration with Vagrant's provisioning capabilities. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and path verification mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize the execution environment before invoking ruby scripts. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the system PATH variable or by placing malicious ruby scripts in predictable locations, thereby bypassing the intended security boundaries that should prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal and environment variable manipulation attack vector. When the vagrant-vmware-fusion plugin executes sudo helper commands, it does not adequately verify the absolute paths to ruby scripts or properly scrub the PATH environment variable before execution. This allows attackers to inject malicious code into the execution flow by leveraging the system's default search order for executable files. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's failure to validate that the ruby interpreter and associated scripts are being invoked from legitimate locations, making it possible for an attacker to place a malicious ruby script in a directory that appears earlier in the PATH than the legitimate plugin scripts. This flaw aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-426, which covers untrusted search path.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7642 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Local users who can execute commands on the affected system gain the ability to elevate their privileges to root level, which provides complete control over the machine's resources, file system, and network interfaces. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where Vagrant is commonly used for development and testing, as it allows any local user to potentially gain administrative access. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed without requiring network access or complex exploitation techniques, making it a significant security risk. The vulnerability affects systems where Vagrant is installed with the VMware Fusion plugin, particularly those running macOS platforms where Vagrant's virtualization capabilities are commonly utilized for development workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7642 focus on both immediate patching and operational hardening measures. The primary remediation involves upgrading to vagrant-vmware-fusion plugin version 4.0.21 or later, which addresses the path verification and PATH variable scrubbing issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of the vulnerable plugin are updated promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting sudo access to trusted users, monitoring for suspicious sudo usage patterns, and employing privilege separation techniques. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities, and T1548.001, which addresses privilege escalation through the abuse of sudo. Organizations should also consider implementing process monitoring and endpoint detection capabilities to identify potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent access or exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised systems.