CVE-2020-3989 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-3989, a denial-of-service vulnerability in VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows. Find out how to mitigate and prevent exploitation.
VMware Workstation (15.x) and Horizon Client for Windows (5.x before 5.4.4) contain a denial of service vulnerability due to an out-of-bounds write issue in Cortado ThinPrint component. A malicious actor with normal access to a virtual machine may exploit this issue to create a partial denial-of-service condition.
Understanding CVE-2020-3989
This CVE involves a denial-of-service vulnerability in VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows.
What is CVE-2020-3989?
- Denial of service vulnerability in VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows
- Caused by an out-of-bounds write issue in Cortado ThinPrint component
- Exploitable by a malicious actor with normal access to a virtual machine
The Impact of CVE-2020-3989
- Allows exploitation to create a partial denial-of-service condition
- Requires virtual printing to be enabled, not the default setting in Workstation
Technical Details of CVE-2020-3989
This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
- Out-of-bounds write issue in Cortado ThinPrint component
- Found in VMware Workstation (15.x) and Horizon Client for Windows (5.x before 5.4.4)
Affected Systems and Versions
- VMware Workstation (15.x)
- Horizon Client for Windows (5.x before 5.4.4)
Exploitation Mechanism
- Malicious actor with normal access to a virtual machine
- Exploitation possible if virtual printing is enabled
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2020-3989 with these measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable virtual printing if not required
- Apply vendor-supplied patches promptly
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch VMware products
- Implement least privilege access controls
Patching and Updates
- Check for and apply updates from VMware