Advisory Details

June 23rd, 2021

VMware Workstation Tools Uncontrolled Search Path Element Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

CVE ID	CVE-2021-21999
CVSS SCORE	7.8, AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
AFFECTED VENDORS	VMware
AFFECTED PRODUCTS	Workstation
VULNERABILITY DETAILS	This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of VMware Workstation. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the VGAuthService service. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied OpenSSL configuration file prior to using it. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS	VMware has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at: https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0013.html
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE	2021-03-03 - Vulnerability reported to vendor 2021-06-23 - Coordinated public release of advisory
CREDIT	Zeeshan Shaikh (@bugzzzhunter) from NotSoSecure

BACK TO ADVISORIES