How to remediate – VMware Fusion Version Detection (Mac OS X)

1. Introduction

VMware Fusion Version Detection identifies instances of VMware Fusion installed on Mac OS X systems. This software allows users to run other operating systems within their macOS environment. Its presence requires review as it introduces a potential attack surface if not managed according to your organisation’s security policies. A successful exploit could compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of both the host machine and any virtual machines running within Fusion.

2. Technical Explanation

VMware Fusion is desktop virtualization software that creates a virtual environment on Mac OS X. Exploitation typically occurs through vulnerabilities within the Fusion application itself or its associated components. Preconditions include having a vulnerable version of VMware Fusion installed and running, with an attacker able to execute code within the guest operating system or directly target the Fusion application. This vulnerability is tracked as IAVT 0001-T-0735.

• Root cause: The presence of the software itself represents a potential risk if not managed appropriately.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker could exploit vulnerabilities within VMware Fusion to gain control of the virtual machine or potentially the host operating system, depending on the nature of the vulnerability.
• Scope: Mac OS X systems running VMware Fusion are affected. Specific versions were not provided in the context.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming a vulnerable system involves checking for the presence of VMware Fusion. A quick check can identify its installation, while more thorough methods involve determining the specific version.

• Quick checks: Check Applications folder for “VMware Fusion”.
• Scanning: Nessus or other vulnerability scanners may have plugins to detect VMware Fusion installations. These are examples only.
• Logs and evidence: No specific logs were provided in the context.

ls /Applications | grep -i vmware

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The primary solution is to ensure VMware Fusion use aligns with your organisation’s security policies.

4.1 Preparation

• Dependencies: None. Roll back involves verifying continued policy compliance.
• Change window needs and approvals will depend on your organisation’s policies.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Review the use of VMware Fusion against your organization’s acceptable use policy.
2. Step 2: If use is not permitted, uninstall VMware Fusion from all affected systems.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

VMware Fusion is installed on the system.

After

VMware Fusion is not installed on the system.

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help mitigate risks associated with software like VMware Fusion.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – limit user accounts’ access rights to reduce the impact of a potential compromise.
• Practice 2: Application control – only allow approved applications to run on systems, preventing unauthorized software installation.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

No automation steps are provided as this is a policy enforcement issue.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the fix by verifying VMware Fusion is no longer installed on affected systems.

• Post-fix check: Run `ls /Applications | grep -i vmware`. Expected output should be empty.
• Re-test: Repeat the quick check to confirm VMware Fusion has been removed.
• Monitoring: No specific log query was provided in the context.

ls /Applications | grep -i vmware

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Preventive measures focus on controlling software installations and maintaining a secure baseline.

• Baselines: Update your security baseline to include restrictions on unauthorized software installation, such as VMware Fusion if it is not required.
• Pipelines: Implement application control solutions in CI/CD pipelines to prevent unapproved software from being deployed.
• Asset and patch process: Regularly review installed software across the estate to identify and address non-compliant applications.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

Uninstalling VMware Fusion may disrupt users relying on virtual machines. Ensure a roll back plan is in place if required.

• Risk or side effect 1: Users may lose access to virtual machines if VMware Fusion is uninstalled without warning.
• Roll back: Reinstall VMware Fusion from a trusted source if needed, ensuring it aligns with your organisation’s policies.

8. References and Resources

Links related to this specific vulnerability.

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: No link provided in the context.
• NVD or CVE entry: No link provided in the context.
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: No link provided in the context.