VMWare Workstation 5.5.1 ActiveX Control Initialize VmdbDb memory corruption

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability identified as problematic has been detected in VMWare Workstation 5.5.1. The affected element is the function Initialize of the component ActiveX Control. This manipulation of the argument VmdbDb causes memory corruption. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-2006-6410. Additionally, an exploit exists.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in VMWare Workstation 5.5.1 (Virtualization Software). It has been declared as problematic. Affected by this vulnerability is the function Initialize of the component ActiveX Control. The manipulation of the argument VmdbDb with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The summary by CVE is:

Buffer overflow in an ActiveX control in VMWare 5.5.1 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long VmdbDb parameter to the Initialize function.

The weakness was released 12/09/2006 by c0ntex (Website). The advisory is shared at securityfocus.com. This vulnerability is known as CVE-2006-6410 since 12/09/2006. The exploitation appears to be easy. An attack has to be approached locally. The exploitation doesn't need any form of authentication. Technical details and also a public exploit are known.

A public exploit has been developed by c0ntex and been published before and not just after the advisory. It is possible to download the exploit at securityfocus.com. It is declared as proof-of-concept. The vulnerability was handled as a non-public zero-day exploit for at least 104 days. During that time the estimated underground price was around $25k-$100k.

There is no information about possible countermeasures known. It may be suggested to replace the affected object with an alternative product.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at Exploit-DB (2264) and SecurityFocus (BID 19732†). Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

• Virtualization Software

Vendor

• VMWare

Name

• Workstation

Version

• 5.5.1

License

• commercial

Website

• Vendor: https://www.vmware.com/

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Entryinfo

Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.

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