IRONSMITHINTEL
CRITICALCVSS9.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2023-34048|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

VMware vCenter Server Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability (CVE-2023-34048)

VMware vCenter Server contains an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the implementation of the DCERPC protocol that allows an attacker to conduct remote code execution.

Published Oct 25, 2023 · Updated May 29, 2026
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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 2024-02-12 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Out-of-bounds Write (CWE-787) vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server. vCenter Server contains an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in the implementation of the DCERPC protocol. A malicious actor with network access to vCenter Server may trigger an out-of-bounds write potentially leading to remote code execution. Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

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Phishing link

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Malicious file

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Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

Virtualisation Administrators
Infrastructure Team
IT Security
Running vcenter server: 4.0 ≤ v ≤ 5.5, 7.0, 8.0
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

Active exploitation documented in the wild. Threat-research write-up: https://www.vicarius.io/vsociety/posts/understanding-cve-2023-34048-a-zero-day-out-of-bound-write-in-vcenter-server

How to patch

Get the fix

Apply the fixed package from your vendor. The advisory lists affected versions and the exact fixed build.

VMware advisory

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://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2023-0023.html
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-34048
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2023-34048
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