CVE-2021-22038 Race condition in VMware InstallBuilder
An attacker can replace a predictable temporary uninstaller binary to gain Administrator privileges during software removal on Windows.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2021-22038?
CVE-2021-22038 is a high-severity vulnerability in VMware InstallBuilder, published on 29 Oct 2021. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
On Windows, the uninstaller binary copies itself to a fixed temporary location, which is then executed (the originally called uninstaller exits, so it does not block the installation directory). This temporary location is not randomized and does not restrict access to Administrators only so a potential attacker could plant a binary to replace the copied binary right before it gets called, thus gaining Administrator privileges (if the original uninstaller was executed as Administrator). The vulnerability only affects Windows installers.
Weakness: CWE-330
Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-22038?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Vmware Installbuilder.
How do I fix CVE-2021-22038?
No fix has been published for CVE-2021-22038 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Is CVE-2021-22038 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-22038 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Other vulnerabilities in VMware InstallBuilder
Sources
Also known as GHSA-5hc4-w525-fjv3.