CVE-2023-34059 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A file descriptor hijack vulnerability in open-vm-tools has been disclosed by VMware, with a CVSS base severity rating of HIGH.

Understanding CVE-2023-34059

This vulnerability allows a malicious actor with non-root privileges to hijack the /dev/uinput file descriptor in the vmware-user-suid-wrapper, potentially enabling them to simulate user inputs.

What is CVE-2023-34059?

CVE-2023-34059 is a file descriptor hijack vulnerability in open-vm-tools that can be exploited by an attacker with non-root access to simulate user inputs, posing a significant risk to affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-34059

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH, with a CVSS base score of 7.4. It affects Linux systems running open-vm-tools versions up to 12.3.0, potentially leading to unauthorized user input simulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-34059

This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in the vmware-user-suid-wrapper of open-vm-tools, enabling a non-root user to hijack the file descriptor and simulate user inputs through /dev/uinput.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux systems with open-vm-tools version 11.0.0 are impacted by this vulnerability, with versions up to 12.3.0 being susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker with non-root privileges can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the /dev/uinput file descriptor in the vmware-user-suid-wrapper, potentially leading to unauthorized user input simulation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-34059, it is crucial to take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to apply security patches provided by VMware promptly to address the vulnerability in open-vm-tools and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing least privilege access, regularly updating software, and monitoring user inputs can enhance the overall security posture and reduce the risk of file descriptor hijack vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Organizations should stay updated on security advisories from VMware and apply relevant patches to ensure the protection of their systems against known vulnerabilities.