CVE-2020-3947 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

VMware Workstation (15.x before 15.5.2) and Fusion (11.x before 11.5.2) are affected by a use-after vulnerability in vmnetdhcp, potentially leading to code execution or denial-of-service attacks.

Understanding CVE-2020-3947

What is CVE-2020-3947?

CVE-2020-3947 is a use-after vulnerability affecting VMware Workstation and Fusion, allowing attackers to execute code on the host or disrupt the vmnetdhcp service.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3947

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in code execution on the host from the guest or cause a denial-of-service condition on the host machine.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3947

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in vmnetdhcp in VMware Workstation and Fusion versions specified, enabling attackers to exploit it for malicious activities.

Affected Systems and Versions

VMware Workstation 15.x before 15.5.2
VMware Fusion 11.x before 11.5.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage the use-after vulnerability in vmnetdhcp to execute arbitrary code on the host or disrupt the vmnetdhcp service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update VMware Workstation to version 15.5.2 or later.
Update VMware Fusion to version 11.5.2 or above.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the network.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security updates and patches provided by VMware to mitigate the CVE-2020-3947 vulnerability.