Remote code execution in VMware Workstation and Fusion

1) Heap-based buffer overflow

EUVDB-ID: #VU59182

Risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 5.2 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-22045

CWE-ID: CWE-122 - Heap-based Buffer Overflow

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error. A remote attacker with access to the guest OS with D-ROM device emulation can trigger heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code on the hypervisor.

Mitigation

Install update from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

VMware Workstation: 16.0 - 16.1.2

VMware Fusion: before 12.2.0

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:a:vmware:vmware_workstation:16.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:vmware:vmware_workstation:16.1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:vmware:vmware_workstation:16.1.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:vmware:vmware_fusion:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87206
https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/87207

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote authenticated user via the Internet.

How the attacker can exploit this vulnerability?

The attacker would have to trick the victim to open a a specially crafted file.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.