CVE-2020-3986 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

VMware Workstation (15.x) and Horizon Client for Windows (5.x before 5.4.4) contain an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Cortado ThinPrint component (EMF Parser). A malicious actor with normal access to a virtual machine may exploit these issues to create a partial denial-of-service condition or leak memory from TPView process.

Understanding CVE-2020-3986

This CVE involves multiple out-of-bounds read issues via Cortado ThinPrint.

What is CVE-2020-3986?

CVE-2020-3986 is a vulnerability in VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows that allows attackers to potentially disrupt services or extract sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3986

The vulnerability could lead to a partial denial-of-service condition or memory leakage from the TPView process on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3986

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in an out-of-bounds read issue in the Cortado ThinPrint component (EMF Parser) of VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows
Versions: VMware Workstation (15.x), Horizon Client for Windows (5.x before 5.4.4)

Exploitation Mechanism

A malicious actor with normal access to a virtual machine can exploit the vulnerability to disrupt services or extract memory from the TPView process.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-3986 is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by VMware promptly.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows to the latest versions.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all relevant security patches and updates are applied to mitigate the risk of exploitation.