CVE-2025-41228
📋 TL;DR
VMware ESXi and vCenter Server have a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in certain login page URL paths. Attackers with network access can inject malicious scripts to steal session cookies or redirect users to malicious sites. This affects administrators and users accessing vulnerable VMware management interfaces.
💻 Affected Systems
- VMware ESXi
- VMware vCenter Server
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Session hijacking leading to full administrative compromise of VMware infrastructure, data exfiltration, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Session cookie theft allowing unauthorized access to VMware management interfaces, potentially leading to VM manipulation or data access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and web application firewalls blocking malicious payloads.
🎯 Exploit Status
Reflected XSS requires user interaction (clicking malicious link) but exploitation is straightforward once payload is crafted
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check vendor advisory for specific patched versions
Vendor Advisory: https://support.broadcom.com/web/ecx/support-content-notification/-/external/content/SecurityAdvisories/0/25717
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review vendor advisory for affected versions. 2. Download and apply appropriate patches from VMware. 3. Restart affected ESXi hosts and vCenter Server services. 4. Verify patch application through version checks.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
allDeploy WAF rules to block XSS payloads targeting vulnerable URL paths
Network Segmentation
allRestrict access to ESXi/vCenter management interfaces to trusted networks only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach ESXi/vCenter management interfaces
- Deploy a web application firewall with XSS protection rules in front of vulnerable systems
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check VMware version against vendor advisory; test vulnerable URL paths with safe XSS payloads in controlled environmentCheck Version:
For ESXi: esxcli system version get; For vCenter: Check web interface or appliance shellVerify Fix Applied:
Verify patched version is installed; retest vulnerable URL paths to confirm XSS payloads are properly sanitized📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual URL parameters in web server logs containing script tags or JavaScript
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by suspicious redirects
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to ESXi/vCenter URLs with encoded script payloads in parameters
- Unexpected redirects from VMware management interfaces
SIEM Query:
source="vmware-web" AND (url="*<script>*" OR url="*javascript:*" OR status=302)