CVE-2021-22000 : What You Need to Know

VMware Thinapp version 5.x prior to 5.2.10 has been identified with a DLL hijacking vulnerability that allows a malicious actor to elevate privileges on a Windows system. This CVE was published on July 13, 2021, by VMware.

Understanding CVE-2021-22000

This section will provide insights into the nature and impact of the CVE.

What is CVE-2021-22000?

CVE-2021-22000 refers to the DLL hijacking vulnerability present in VMware Thinapp 5.x versions before 5.2.10. It arises due to the insecure loading of DLLs, enabling an attacker to escalate privileges on a Windows system running VMware ThinApp.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22000

The existence of this vulnerability allows a threat actor with limited privileges to gain administrative-level access on the affected Windows machine. This scenario poses a significant risk to the security and integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22000

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in VMware Thinapp arises from the improper loading of DLLs in versions prior to 5.2.10. This flaw could be exploited by a non-administrative user to perform DLL hijacking and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is VMware Thinapp, specifically versions 5.x prior to 5.2.10. Systems running these versions are susceptible to the DLL hijacking vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2021-22000, an attacker needs to have a foothold on the target system with VMware Thinapp installed. By manipulating the insecure DLL loading, the attacker can escalate their privileges to that of an administrator.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-22000.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update VMware Thinapp to version 5.2.10 or newer to eliminate the DLL hijacking vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for security advisories and patches from VMware to stay protected against emerging threats.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user permissions and limit the impact of potential security breaches.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address weaknesses in the system.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates for VMware Thinapp promptly to ensure that known vulnerabilities are patched and the system remains secure.