CVE-2020-3968 : Security Advisory and Response

VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion are affected by an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the USB 3.0 controller (xHCI) that could lead to a denial of service or code execution.

Understanding CVE-2020-3968

This CVE involves a critical vulnerability in VMware products that could be exploited by a malicious actor with local administrative privileges.

What is CVE-2020-3968?

CVE-2020-3968 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability affecting VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion products, potentially allowing an attacker to crash a virtual machine or execute code on the hypervisor.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3968

The vulnerability could result in a denial of service condition or unauthorized code execution on the hypervisor, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3968

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the USB 3.0 controller (xHCI) of VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion, enabling a malicious actor to trigger an out-of-bounds write scenario.

Affected Systems and Versions

VMware ESXi 7.0 before ESXi_7.0.0-1.20.16321839
VMware ESXi 6.7 before ESXi670-202004101-SG
VMware ESXi 6.5 before ESXi650-202005401-SG
VMware Workstation 15.x before 15.5.5
VMware Fusion 11.x before 11.5.5

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, the attacker must have local administrative privileges on a virtual machine. Additional specific conditions are also required for successful exploitation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-3968 is crucial to prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary security patches provided by VMware promptly.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the affected systems.
Restrict access to vulnerable systems to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all VMware products to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls and least privilege principles to limit potential attack surfaces.

Patching and Updates

VMware has released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure all affected systems are updated to the patched versions to eliminate the risk of exploitation.