Vulnerabilities > CVE-2016-7086 - Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls vulnerability in VMWare Workstation Player and Workstation PRO

047910
CVSS 7.2 - HIGH
Attack vector
LOCAL
Attack complexity
LOW
Privileges required
NONE
Confidentiality impact
COMPLETE
Integrity impact
COMPLETE
Availability impact
COMPLETE
local
low complexity
vmware
microsoft
CWE-264
nessus

Summary

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 setup64.exe file in the installation directory.

Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)

  • Accessing, Modifying or Executing Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's configuration that allows an attacker to either directly access an executable file, for example through shell access; or in a possible worst case allows an attacker to upload a file and then execute it. Web servers, ftp servers, and message oriented middleware systems which have many integration points are particularly vulnerable, because both the programmers and the administrators must be in synch regarding the interfaces and the correct privileges for each interface.
  • Leverage Executable Code in Non-Executable Files
    An attack of this type exploits a system's trust in configuration and resource files, when the executable loads the resource (such as an image file or configuration file) the attacker has modified the file to either execute malicious code directly or manipulate the target process (e.g. application server) to execute based on the malicious configuration parameters. Since systems are increasingly interrelated mashing up resources from local and remote sources the possibility of this attack occurring is high. The attack can be directed at a client system, such as causing buffer overrun through loading seemingly benign image files, as in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-028 where specially crafted JPEG files could cause a buffer overrun once loaded into the browser. Another example targets clients reading pdf files. In this case the attacker simply appends javascript to the end of a legitimate url for a pdf (http://www.gnucitizen.org/blog/danger-danger-danger/) http://path/to/pdf/file.pdf#whatever_name_you_want=javascript:your_code_here The client assumes that they are reading a pdf, but the attacker has modified the resource and loaded executable javascript into the client's browser process. The attack can also target server processes. The attacker edits the resource or configuration file, for example a web.xml file used to configure security permissions for a J2EE app server, adding role name "public" grants all users with the public role the ability to use the administration functionality. The server trusts its configuration file to be correct, but when they are manipulated, the attacker gains full control.
  • Blue Boxing
    This type of attack against older telephone switches and trunks has been around for decades. A tone is sent by an adversary to impersonate a supervisor signal which has the effect of rerouting or usurping command of the line. While the US infrastructure proper may not contain widespread vulnerabilities to this type of attack, many companies are connected globally through call centers and business process outsourcing. These international systems may be operated in countries which have not upgraded Telco infrastructure and so are vulnerable to Blue boxing. Blue boxing is a result of failure on the part of the system to enforce strong authorization for administrative functions. While the infrastructure is different than standard current applications like web applications, there are historical lessons to be learned to upgrade the access control for administrative functions.
  • Restful Privilege Elevation
    Rest uses standard HTTP (Get, Put, Delete) style permissions methods, but these are not necessarily correlated generally with back end programs. Strict interpretation of HTTP get methods means that these HTTP Get services should not be used to delete information on the server, but there is no access control mechanism to back up this logic. This means that unless the services are properly ACL'd and the application's service implementation are following these guidelines then an HTTP request can easily execute a delete or update on the server side. The attacker identifies a HTTP Get URL such as http://victimsite/updateOrder, which calls out to a program to update orders on a database or other resource. The URL is not idempotent so the request can be submitted multiple times by the attacker, additionally, the attacker may be able to exploit the URL published as a Get method that actually performs updates (instead of merely retrieving data). This may result in malicious or inadvertent altering of data on the server.
  • Target Programs with Elevated Privileges
    This attack targets programs running with elevated privileges. The attacker would try to leverage a bug in the running program and get arbitrary code to execute with elevated privileges. For instance an attacker would look for programs that write to the system directories or registry keys (such as HKLM, which stores a number of critical Windows environment variables). These programs are typically running with elevated privileges and have usually not been designed with security in mind. Such programs are excellent exploit targets because they yield lots of power when they break. The malicious user try to execute its code at the same level as a privileged system call.

Nessus

  • NASL familyWindows
    NASL idVMWARE_WORKSTATION_MULTIPLE_VMSA_2016_0014.NASL
    descriptionThe version of VMware Workstation installed on the remote host is 12.x prior to 12.5.0. It is, therefore, affected by multiple vulnerabilities : - A heap buffer overflow condition exists in Cortado ThinPrint due to improper validation of user-supplied input. An attacker on the guest can exploit this to cause a denial of service condition or the execution of arbitrary code on the host system. (CVE-2016-7081) - A memory corruption issue exists in Cortado Thinprint due to improper handling of specially crafted EMF files. An attacker on the guest can exploit this to cause a denial of service condition or the execution of arbitrary code on the host system. (CVE-2016-7082) - A memory corruption issue exists in Cortado Thinprint due to improper handling of TrueType fonts embedded in EMFSPOOL. An attacker on the guest can exploit this to cause a denial of service condition or the execution of arbitrary code on the host system. (CVE-2016-7083) - A memory corruption issue exists in Cortado Thinprint due to improper handling of specially crafted JPEG2000 images. An attacker on the guest can exploit this to cause a denial of service condition or the execution of arbitrary code on the host system. (CVE-2016-7084) - A flaw exits due to improper loading of some dynamic link library (DLL) files that allows an attacker to load a DLL file and thereby execute arbitrary code. (CVE-2016-7085) - A flaw exists in the Workstation installer due to insecure loading of executables. An attacker can exploit this, via a crafted application named
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id93521
    published2016-09-15
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/93521
    titleVMware Workstation 12.x < 12.5.0 Multiple Vulnerabilities (VMSA-2016-0014)
    code
    #
    # (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
    #
    
    include("compat.inc");
    
    if (description)
    {
      script_id(93521);
      script_version("1.8");
      script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/11/14");
    
      script_cve_id(
        "CVE-2016-7081",
        "CVE-2016-7082",
        "CVE-2016-7083",
        "CVE-2016-7084",
        "CVE-2016-7085",
        "CVE-2016-7086"
      );
      script_bugtraq_id(
        92934,
        92935,
        92940,
        92941
      );
      script_xref(name:"VMSA", value:"2016-0014");
    
      script_name(english:"VMware Workstation 12.x < 12.5.0 Multiple Vulnerabilities (VMSA-2016-0014)");
      script_summary(english:"Checks the VMware Workstation version.");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
    "A virtualization application installed on the remote host is affected
    by multiple vulnerabilities.");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
    "The version of VMware Workstation installed on the remote host is
    12.x prior to 12.5.0. It is, therefore, affected by multiple
    vulnerabilities :
    
      - A heap buffer overflow condition exists in Cortado
        ThinPrint due to improper validation of user-supplied
        input. An attacker on the guest can exploit this to
        cause a denial of service condition or the execution of
        arbitrary code on the host system. (CVE-2016-7081)
    
      - A memory corruption issue exists in Cortado Thinprint
        due to improper handling of specially crafted EMF files.
        An attacker on the guest can exploit this to cause a
        denial of service condition or the execution of
        arbitrary code on the host system. (CVE-2016-7082)
    
      - A memory corruption issue exists in Cortado Thinprint
        due to improper handling of TrueType fonts embedded in
        EMFSPOOL. An attacker on the guest can exploit this to
        cause a denial of service condition or the execution of
        arbitrary code on the host system. (CVE-2016-7083)
    
      - A memory corruption issue exists in Cortado Thinprint
        due to improper handling of specially crafted JPEG2000
        images. An attacker on the guest can exploit this to
        cause a denial of service condition or the execution of
        arbitrary code on the host system. (CVE-2016-7084)
    
      - A flaw exits due to improper loading of some dynamic
        link library (DLL) files that allows an attacker to load
        a DLL file and thereby execute arbitrary code.
        (CVE-2016-7085)
    
      - A flaw exists in the Workstation installer due to
        insecure loading of executables. An attacker can exploit
        this, via a crafted application named 'setup64.exe'
        inserted into the same directory as the installer, to
        execute arbitrary code. (CVE-2016-7086)");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2016-0014.html");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:
    "Upgrade to VMware Workstation 12.5.0 or later.");
      script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C");
      script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:POC/RL:OF/RC:C");
      script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H");
      script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:P/RL:O/RC:C");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cvss_score_source", value:"CVE-2016-7086");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"Exploits are available");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"true");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2016/09/13");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2016/09/13");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2016/09/15");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"local");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/a:vmware:workstation");
      script_end_attributes();
    
      script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
      script_family(english:"Windows");
    
      script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2016-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");
    
      script_dependencies("vmware_workstation_detect.nasl");
      script_require_keys("SMB/Registry/Enumerated", "installed_sw/VMware Workstation");
    
      exit(0);
    }
    
    include("audit.inc");
    include("global_settings.inc");
    include("install_func.inc");
    include("misc_func.inc");
    
    get_kb_item_or_exit("SMB/Registry/Enumerated");
    
    appname = 'VMware Workstation';
    
    install = get_single_install(app_name:appname, exit_if_unknown_ver:TRUE);
    version = install['version'];
    path = install['path'];
    
    fix = "12.5.0";
    
    if (version =~ "^12\." && ver_compare(ver:version, fix:fix, strict:FALSE) < 0)
    {
      port = get_kb_item("SMB/transport");
      if (!port) port = 445;
    
      report =
        '\n  Path              : ' + path +
        '\n  Installed version : ' + version +
        '\n  Fixed version     : ' + fix + '\n';
      security_report_v4(port:port, extra:report, severity:SECURITY_HOLE);
    }
    else audit(AUDIT_INST_PATH_NOT_VULN, appname, version, path);
    
  • NASL familyVMware ESX Local Security Checks
    NASL idVMWARE_VMSA-2016-0014.NASL
    descriptiona. VMware Workstation heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities via Cortado ThinPrint VMware Workstation contains vulnerabilities that may allow a windows -based virtual machine (VM) to trigger heap-based buffer overflows in the windows-based hypervisor running VMware workstation that the VM resides on. Exploitation of this issue may lead to arbitrary code execution in the hypervisor OS. Exploitation is only possible if virtual printing has been enabled in VMware Workstation. This feature is not enabled by default. VMware Knowledge Base article 2146810 documents the procedure for enabling and disabling this feature. VMware would like to thank E0DB6391795D7F629B5077842E649393 working with Trend Micro
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id93512
    published2016-09-15
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2016-2018 Tenable Network Security, Inc.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/93512
    titleVMSA-2016-0014 : VMware ESXi, Workstation, Fusion, &amp; Tools updates address multiple security issues