IRONSMITHINTEL
CRITICALCVSS9.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2024-38812|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

VMware vCenter Server Heap-Based Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

VMware vCenter Server contains a heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in the implementation of the DCERPC protocol. This vulnerability could allow an attacker with network access to the vCenter Server to execute remote code by sending a specially crafted packet.

Published Sep 17, 2024 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2024-12-11 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Heap-based Buffer Overflow (CWE-122) vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server. The vCenter Server contains a heap-overflow vulnerability in the implementation of the DCERPC protocol. A malicious actor with network access to vCenter Server may trigger this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted network packet potentially leading to remote code execution. Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

📧

Phishing link

🖼

Malicious file

🔓

Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

Virtualisation Administrators
Infrastructure Team
IT Security
Running cloud foundation: 4.0 ≤ v < 5.2; vcenter server: 7.0, 8.0
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA added this CVE to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 2024-11-20 based on evidence of active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies required to remediate by 2024-12-11.

How to patch

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 or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://support.broadcom.com/web/ecx/support-content-notification/-/external/content/SecurityAdvisories/0/24968
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-38812
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2024-38812
PowerShell automationComing soon

No tested PowerShell script for this entry yet. We’re prioritising automation based on user demand.