VMware Workstation: Vulnerability in NAT networking

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200601-04 / VMware
Release Date	January 07, 2006
Latest Revision	May 25, 2006: 02
Impact	high
Exploitable	remote and local

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
app-emulation/vmware-workstation	< 5.5.1.19175	>= 5.5.1.19175, revision >= 4.5.3.19414, revision >= 3.2.1.2242-r10	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #116238

Synopsis

VMware guest operating systems can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges on the host operating system through a flaw in NAT networking.

2. Impact Information

Background

VMware Workstation is a powerful virtual machine for developers and system administrators.

Description

Tim Shelton discovered that vmnet-natd, the host module providing NAT-style networking for VMware guest operating systems, is unable to process incorrect 'EPRT' and 'PORT' FTP requests.

Impact

Malicious guest operating systems using the NAT networking feature or local VMware Workstation users could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the host system with elevated privileges.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

Disable the NAT service by following the instructions at http://www.vmware.com/support/kb, Answer ID 2002.

Resolution

All VMware Workstation users should upgrade to a fixed version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose app-emulation/vmware-workstation

4. References

Page updated January 07, 2006

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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