CVE-2019-5526 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A DLL hijacking vulnerability in VMware Workstation version 15.x before 15.1.0 allows attackers to escalate privileges on Windows hosts.

Understanding CVE-2019-5526

This CVE involves a security issue in VMware Workstation that could lead to privilege escalation on affected systems.

What is CVE-2019-5526?

The vulnerability in VMware Workstation version 15.x before 15.1.0 allows attackers with regular user privileges to elevate their access to administrator level on Windows hosts where the software is installed.

The Impact of CVE-2019-5526

Exploiting this vulnerability could result in unauthorized users gaining elevated privileges, potentially leading to further system compromise or unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-5526

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The DLL hijacking vulnerability in VMware Workstation occurs due to incorrect loading of certain DLL files by the application, enabling privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: VMware Workstation
Vendor: n/a
Versions Affected: VMware Workstation (15.x before 15.1.0)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the improper loading of DLL files to escalate their privileges from regular user to administrator on Windows hosts with the vulnerable VMware Workstation version.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-5526 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update VMware Workstation to version 15.1.0 or newer to mitigate the DLL hijacking vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights and minimize the impact of potential privilege escalation vulnerabilities.
Regularly review and update security configurations to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from VMware to promptly apply patches that address known vulnerabilities.