CVE-2019-5514 in Fusion
Summary
by MITRE
VMware VMware Fusion (11.x before 11.0.3) contains a security vulnerability due to certain unauthenticated APIs accessible through a web socket. An attacker may exploit this issue by tricking the host user to execute a JavaScript to perform unauthorized functions on the guest machine where VMware Tools is installed. This may further be exploited to execute commands on the guest machines.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5514 affects VMware Fusion version 11.x before 11.0.3 and represents a critical security flaw in the virtualization platform's web socket implementation. This issue stems from the exposure of unauthenticated APIs that are accessible through WebSocket connections, creating an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring valid credentials or authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the communication channels between the host system and guest virtual machines where VMware Tools is installed, establishing a pathway for unauthorized access and command execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated social engineering attack vector that relies on tricking the host user into executing malicious JavaScript code. This attack methodology leverages the trust relationship between the host and guest systems, where the user's interaction with a compromised web interface or malicious website enables the execution of unauthorized functions on the guest machine. The flaw exists because the WebSocket endpoints lack proper authentication mechanisms, allowing any remote attacker to establish connections and interact with the VMware Fusion API without verification of their identity or authorization status. This architectural weakness is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network level, bypassing traditional user authentication controls that would normally prevent unauthorized access to virtual machine management functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-5514 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables full command execution capabilities on affected guest machines. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control over virtual environments, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within network infrastructures. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on VMware Fusion for desktop virtualization, as it undermines the fundamental security isolation that virtual machines are designed to provide. This weakness creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as long as the vulnerable version of VMware Fusion remains installed on the host systems. The attack requires minimal privileges from the attacker's perspective since the vulnerability operates at the application layer without requiring administrative access to the host system.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to VMware Fusion version 11.0.3 or later, which includes patches addressing the unauthenticated API access issue. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to WebSocket endpoints, particularly in environments where untrusted users may have access to the host system. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual WebSocket traffic patterns and unauthorized API access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically focusing on insufficient access control mechanisms for network services. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it allows for command execution through legitimate system interfaces while potentially bypassing normal authentication controls. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar unauthenticated API exposures in other virtualization platforms and network services, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar attack vectors.