VMware ESXi Arbitrary Write Vulnerability
VMware ESXi contains an arbitrary write vulnerability. Successful exploitation allows an attacker with privileges within the VMX process to trigger an arbitrary kernel write leading to an escape of the sandbox.
A local attacker, with administrative privileges, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. CISA has confirmed use of this vulnerability in known ransomware campaigns — treat as high priority for remediation. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2025-03-25 under CISA BOD 22-01.
This is a Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) vulnerability in VMware ESXi. Exploitation requires local access, low attack complexity, an administrative account, and no user interaction required.
Probably yes if any of these apply:
CISA confirms this CVE has been used in known ransomware campaigns. Added to the KEV catalog on 2025-03-04; federal agencies required to remediate by 2025-03-25.
Manual remediation steps
Apply the Vendor Patch
This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.
CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
References
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References