CVE-2019-5536 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion versions before ESXi670-201908101-SG (6.7), ESXi650-201910401-SG (6.5), Workstation 15.x before 15.5.0, and Fusion 11.x before 11.5.0 are affected by a denial-of-service vulnerability in shader functionality.

Understanding CVE-2019-5536

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in VMware products that could lead to a denial-of-service attack.

What is CVE-2019-5536?

The vulnerability in shader functionality in VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion versions could be exploited by attackers to cause a denial-of-service, potentially affecting the performance of virtual machines.

The Impact of CVE-2019-5536

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers with normal user privileges to render their own virtual machine unresponsive, requiring access to a virtual machine with 3D graphics enabled.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-5536

VMware products are susceptible to a denial-of-service vulnerability due to shader functionality.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to disrupt the normal operation of virtual machines by exploiting the shader functionality in affected VMware versions.

Affected Systems and Versions

VMware ESXi (6.7 before ESXi670-201908101-SG and 6.5 before ESXi650-201910401-SG)
Workstation (15.x before 15.5.0)
Fusion (11.x before 11.5.0)

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, attackers need access to a virtual machine with 3D graphics enabled, which is not enabled by default on ESXi but is enabled on Workstation and Fusion.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2019-5536 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by VMware promptly.
Disable 3D graphics if not required on Workstation and Fusion.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update VMware products to the latest versions.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Keep VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion up to date with the latest security patches to mitigate the vulnerability.