1. Introduction
VMware Horizon View Client Detection (Mac OS X) identifies instances where the VMware Horizon View client application is installed on a macOS system. This matters because it indicates a potential entry point for desktop virtualization, which requires careful security management. A successful attack could compromise confidentiality, integrity and availability of data accessed through the virtualised environment.
2. Technical Explanation
The presence of VMware Horizon View Client suggests that users are connecting to a remote VMware Horizon View infrastructure. While not directly exploitable as an installation, it represents a potential attack surface if the client is outdated or misconfigured. There is no known CVE associated with simply having the client installed. An attacker could attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the Horizon View server by targeting connected clients. Affected versions are all currently supported releases of VMware Horizon View Client for macOS.
- Root cause: The application’s presence indicates a connection point to a remote virtual desktop infrastructure, which may have security weaknesses.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker could exploit vulnerabilities in the Horizon View server through a connected client. This requires a vulnerable Horizon View server and a successful network connection.
- Scope: macOS systems with VMware Horizon View Client installed.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming the presence of the client can be done quickly via the command line or through application listings. More thorough assessment involves checking the version number against known vulnerable releases on the server side.
- Quick checks: Run
ls /Applications/VMware Horizon View.appin Terminal. If the directory exists, the client is installed. - Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 139678 can detect VMware Horizon View Client installations. This is an example only and may require updating.
- Logs and evidence: No specific logs directly indicate client presence; focus on server-side connection logs for suspicious activity.
ls /Applications/VMware Horizon View.app4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The primary remediation step is to ensure the VMware Horizon View infrastructure is up to date and properly secured. Regularly patching the server-side components mitigates risks associated with connected clients.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have access to the latest VMware Horizon View patches and documentation. A roll back plan involves restoring from the pre-update snapshot.
- Change windows should be scheduled during off-peak hours with approval from relevant IT stakeholders.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Download the latest VMware Horizon View patches from the VMware website.
- Step 2: Install the downloaded patches on all Horizon View servers according to VMware’s documentation.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# No specific configuration example as this is about server patching. Older Horizon View versions may be present.After
# Verify updated version via the Horizon View Administration Console after applying patches. Example: Version 2306 or later.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Practices such as least privilege and patch cadence are relevant to mitigating risks associated with VMware Horizon View. Keeping systems updated reduces the attack surface.
- Practice 1: Least privilege limits the impact if a connected client is compromised.
- Practice 2: A regular patch cadence ensures timely application of security fixes to the server-side components.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# No specific automation script provided as this focuses on server patching which is typically managed through VMware tools.5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Check the Horizon View Administration Console and confirm the installed version is 2306 or later.
- Re-test: Re-run the quick check (
ls /Applications/VMware Horizon View.app) on client machines to verify they are still connecting to the updated server. - Smoke test: Have a user log in to a virtual desktop via Horizon View and confirm normal operation.
- Monitoring: Monitor Horizon View server logs for connection errors or unusual activity.
# Check Horizon View version via Administration Console. Expected output: Version 2306 or later.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines to include the latest VMware Horizon View versions. Implement regular vulnerability scanning of the entire infrastructure, including virtual desktop servers.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline to require a minimum version of VMware Horizon View (e.g., 2306).
- Asset and patch process: Implement a monthly patch review cycle for all critical systems, including VMware Horizon View servers.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Patching can sometimes cause service disruptions or compatibility issues. Always test patches in a non-production environment first.
- Risk or side effect 1: Patch installation may temporarily interrupt Horizon View services.
- Roll back: Restore the VMware Horizon View servers from the pre-update snapshot if any issues occur.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.vmware.com/products/horizon.html
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE associated with client installation.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://docs.vmware.com/en/Horizon-View/index.html