CVE-2021-21987 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Discover the impact and mitigation of CVE-2021-21987, an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows, potentially leading to data disclosure.
VMware Workstation (16.x prior to 16.1.2) and Horizon Client for Windows (5.x prior to 5.5.2) have been found to contain an out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the Cortado ThinPrint component. This vulnerability could be exploited by a malicious actor leading to potential information disclosure.
Understanding CVE-2021-21987
This section will discuss what CVE-2021-21987 entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation techniques.
What is CVE-2021-21987?
CVE-2021-21987 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability found in the Cortado ThinPrint component of VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows. It allows unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21987
The vulnerability in VMware Workstation and Horizon Client for Windows can be exploited by an attacker with access to a virtual machine or remote desktop, potentially leading to data leakage from the TPView process.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21987
This section will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The out-of-bounds read vulnerability in the Cortado ThinPrint component of VMware's products can be abused by threat actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Affected Systems and Versions
VMware Workstation (16.x prior to 16.1.2) and Horizon Client for Windows (5.x prior to 5.5.2) are the versions impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
A malicious actor could exploit this vulnerability by accessing a virtual machine or remote desktop, leveraging the issues in the TPView process.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-21987, the following steps should be taken.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their VMware Workstation to version 16.1.2 and Horizon Client for Windows to version 5.5.2 immediately. Additionally, monitor for any suspicious activities.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly applying security patches, conducting security audits, and implementing least privilege access are critical for long-term security.
Patching and Updates
Keeping VMware products up-to-date with the latest patches and security updates is essential to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.