CVE-2019-5522 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

VMware Tools for Windows update addresses an out of bounds read vulnerability in the vm3dmp driver, affecting versions 10.2.x and 10.3.x before 10.3.10.

Understanding CVE-2019-5522

This CVE involves a vulnerability in VMware Tools for Windows that could allow a local attacker to exploit the vm3dmp driver.

What is CVE-2019-5522?

The update for VMware Tools for Windows focuses on fixing a vulnerability in the vm3dmp driver installed alongside vmtools in Windows guest machines. This vulnerability, found in versions 10.2.x and 10.3.x before 10.3.10, can be exploited by a local attacker with non-administrative access to a Windows guest with VMware Tools installed.

The Impact of CVE-2019-5522

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to obtain kernel information or launch a denial of service attack on the affected Windows guest machine.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-5522

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is an out of bounds read vulnerability in the vm3dmp driver.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: VMware Tools for Windows
Vendor: VMware
Versions affected: VMware Tools for Windows (10.x before 10.3.10)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local attacker with non-administrative access to a Windows guest with VMware Tools installed.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update VMware Tools for Windows to version 10.3.10 or later.
Restrict access to Windows guest machines with VMware Tools installed.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and apply security updates for VMware products.
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit access rights.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by VMware.