VMware Releases Patches Addressing Sandbox Escape Vulnerabilities

The identified vulnerability, CVE-2024-22252, is specifically related to a use-after-free memory bug within the extensible host controller (XHCI) USB controller. This type of vulnerability can be critical as it may allow attackers to manipulate or execute code inappropriately in the affected system’s memory, posing security risks and potential exploits.

The extensible host controller is a crucial component in managing USB devices, and vulnerabilities in such controllers can have broader implications for system security. Addressing and patching this vulnerability is essential to prevent potential exploitation and enhance the overall security of the affected systems.

The highlighted vulnerability (CVE-2024-22252) represents a use-after-free memory flaw within the extensible host controller (XHCI) USB controller. This flaw is particularly concerning as it could be exploited by a malicious actor with local administrative privileges on a virtual machine (VM). If successfully exploited, the attacker gains the ability to execute code as the VMX process on the host system.

In the context of VMware’s Workstation and Fusion products, this could potentially lead to the execution of arbitrary code with broader consequences. However, on the ESXi system, the impact is more contained, limited to the VMX sandbox. While the latter scenario offers a degree of mitigation, prompt and effective remediation remains crucial to eliminate the risk of unauthorized code execution and strengthen the overall security posture of the affected virtualization environments.

Much like CVE-2024-22252, an attacker with local administrative privileges on a virtual machine (VM) could exploit this flaw to execute code as the VMX process on the host system. The potential attack paths and consequences echo the previous scenario, emphasizing the critical importance of prompt mitigation measures to prevent unauthorized code execution and bolster the security of the affected virtualization environments.

The discovery of these vulnerabilities, CVE-2024-22252 and CVE-2024-22253, can be attributed to security teams participating in the 2023 Tianfu Cup cybersecurity contest. This underlines the importance of such events in identifying and addressing potential security weaknesses, contributing to overall cybersecurity efforts and resilience.

The third vulnerability, CVE-2024-22254, identified as an out-of-bounds write issue, specifically impacts ESXi systems. While rated as having moderate severity, addressing this vulnerability is crucial to maintaining the security of ESXi environments.CVE-2024-22255, marked as having moderate severity, pertains to an information disclosure vulnerability found in the UHCI USB controller. This vulnerability affects ESXi, Fusion, and Workstation products, highlighting the importance of addressing it to prevent potential information leaks.

CVE-2024-22254 is a significant vulnerability classified as moderate severity. It involves an out-of-bounds write, specifically affecting ESXi. This flaw poses a potential risk if exploited by a malicious actor with privileges within the VMX process, as it could lead to an escape from the sandbox. Mitigating and patching this vulnerability is essential to maintain the security and integrity of ESXi systems.

machines where they’re not needed, and disabling USB passthrough where it’s not required.

These additional measures provide interim solutions for users while they work towards applying the necessary patches. However, the ultimate and recommended action is to apply the patches promptly to address the vulnerabilities at their root cause.