CVE-2022-22943: VMware Tools for Windows RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2022-22943 Overview

CVE-2022-22943 is an uncontrolled search path vulnerability affecting VMware Tools for Windows. This security flaw exists in versions 11.x.y and 10.x.y prior to 12.0.0, allowing a malicious actor with local administrative privileges in the Windows guest operating system to execute code with system privileges. The vulnerability arises from an uncontrolled search path element within the VMware Tools software.

Critical Impact

A local attacker with administrative access can escalate privileges to system-level execution within the Windows guest OS, potentially gaining complete control over the virtualized environment.

Affected Products

• VMware Tools for Windows version 11.x.y (prior to 12.0.0)
• VMware Tools for Windows version 10.x.y (prior to 12.0.0)

Discovery Timeline

• 2022-03-03 - CVE-2022-22943 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-22943

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element). The flaw occurs when VMware Tools for Windows searches for executable files or DLLs in directories that can be controlled or manipulated by an attacker. When the application attempts to load these components, it follows a search path that includes locations where a malicious actor with local administrative privileges could place malicious files.

The attack requires local access to the Windows guest operating system where VMware Tools is installed. An attacker who already possesses administrative privileges within the guest OS can exploit this vulnerability to elevate their privileges to system-level execution, which represents the highest privilege level in Windows.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2022-22943 lies in improper handling of the search path used by VMware Tools when loading executables or dynamic link libraries. The application does not adequately restrict or validate the directories from which it loads components, allowing an attacker to inject malicious code into the search path.

This type of vulnerability commonly occurs when applications rely on environment variables like PATH or use relative paths without proper validation, enabling DLL hijacking or binary planting attacks.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access to the Windows guest operating system with administrative privileges. The attacker must be able to write files to directories that are searched before the legitimate location of the target executable or DLL.

The exploitation workflow typically involves:

1. Identifying the vulnerable search path used by VMware Tools
2. Placing a malicious executable or DLL in a directory that appears earlier in the search path
3. Waiting for or triggering VMware Tools to load the component
4. The malicious code executes with system privileges

For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the VMware Security Advisory VMSA-2022-0007.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-22943

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected DLL or executable files in directories within the VMware Tools search path
• New files appearing in %SystemRoot%, %SystemRoot%\System32, or the VMware Tools installation directory
• Unusual process execution originating from VMware Tools components
• Modification timestamps on VMware Tools related files that don't match expected update schedules

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file creation events in directories commonly targeted for DLL hijacking attacks
• Implement application whitelisting to detect unauthorized executables loaded by VMware Tools
• Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify privilege escalation attempts
• Audit administrative actions within guest VMs for suspicious file system modifications

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable Windows Security Event logging for process creation (Event ID 4688) and DLL loading events
• Configure file integrity monitoring for VMware Tools installation directories
• Monitor for unexpected privilege escalation from administrative to system-level accounts
• Review VMware Tools process behavior for anomalous DLL loads using tools like Process Monitor

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-22943

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade VMware Tools for Windows to version 12.0.0 or later immediately
• Audit all Windows guest VMs to identify installations of vulnerable VMware Tools versions
• Restrict administrative access to Windows guest operating systems to trusted users only
• Implement application control policies to prevent unauthorized executable loading

Patch Information

VMware has addressed this vulnerability in VMware Tools version 12.0.0. Organizations should update all affected installations to this version or later. Detailed patch information and download links are available in the VMware Security Advisory VMSA-2022-0007.

Workarounds

• Restrict write access to directories in the VMware Tools search path for non-system accounts
• Implement strict application whitelisting on Windows guest VMs
• Use Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) or AppLocker to control DLL loading
• Monitor and audit all administrative activities within guest operating systems
• Consider network segmentation to limit lateral movement if a guest VM is compromised

# Check VMware Tools version on Windows guest
# Run in PowerShell to identify vulnerable installations
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -like "*VMware Tools*" } | Select-Object Name, Version