CVE-2023-20871
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a local privilege escalation vulnerability in VMware Fusion where an attacker with read/write access to the host OS can elevate privileges to gain root access. This affects VMware Fusion users on macOS hosts. The vulnerability allows bypassing normal privilege restrictions.
💻 Affected Systems
- VMware Fusion
📦 What is this software?
Fusion by Vmware
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the host operating system with root-level access, enabling installation of persistent malware, data theft, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local attackers or malware with initial foothold can escalate to full system control, potentially leading to credential theft and further network compromise.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and limited user privileges, the attack surface is reduced but still dangerous if initial access is obtained.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access to the host system. The vulnerability is in a local service that can be manipulated to escalate privileges.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: VMware Fusion 13.0.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2023-0008.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download VMware Fusion 13.0.2 or later from VMware's website. 2. Run the installer and follow the upgrade process. 3. Restart the system as required by the installer.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Limit User Privileges
allRestrict user accounts to standard privileges rather than administrative access to reduce attack surface.
Disable Unnecessary Services
macosConsider disabling VMware Fusion services when not actively using virtualization if patching is not immediately possible.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and limit administrative privileges to essential users only.
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and unauthorized root access activities.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check VMware Fusion version in the application's About dialog or via command line: /Applications/VMware\ Fusion.app/Contents/Library/vmware-vmx --versionCheck Version:
/Applications/VMware\ Fusion.app/Contents/Library/vmware-vmx --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the version is 13.0.2 or higher using the same command and check that the application runs without errors.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Unauthorized access to root-level processes
- Suspicious VMware service activity
Network Indicators:
- Local privilege escalation typically doesn't generate network traffic unless post-exploitation actions occur
SIEM Query:
source="*" (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR process_name="sudo" OR user="root") AND (process_path="*VMware*" OR application="VMware Fusion")