CVE-2025-41238
📋 TL;DR
A heap-overflow vulnerability in VMware's PVSCSI controller allows local administrative users within a virtual machine to execute code on the host system. This affects VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion products. On ESXi, exploitation is limited to the VMX sandbox under unsupported configurations, while Workstation and Fusion could allow full host compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- VMware ESXi
- VMware Workstation
- VMware Fusion
⚠️ 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
Full code execution on the host system from within a compromised virtual machine, potentially leading to complete host takeover and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Privileged attackers within virtual machines could escape to the host on Workstation/Fusion, while ESXi exploitation remains constrained to the VMX sandbox.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and supported configurations, risk is significantly reduced, especially on ESXi where the VMX sandbox provides containment.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local administrative privileges within the virtual machine. Heap overflow exploitation typically requires specific memory manipulation knowledge.
🛠️ 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/0/35877
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Review the vendor advisory for affected versions
2. Download and apply the appropriate security patch from VMware
3. Restart affected virtual machines and hosts
4. Verify patch installation
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable PVSCSI Controller
allRemove or disable the Paravirtualized SCSI controller from virtual machine configurations
VMware-specific configuration changes via vSphere Client, Workstation UI, or Fusion UI
Restrict Administrative Access
allLimit local administrative privileges within virtual machines to trusted users only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected virtual machines on separate network segments
- Implement strict monitoring and logging for VM escape attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check VMware product version against vendor advisory. Verify if PVSCSI controller is enabled in VM configuration.Check Version:
ESXi: esxcli system version get; Workstation: Help > About; Fusion: VMware Fusion > About VMware FusionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm installed VMware version matches or exceeds patched version from advisory. Verify PVSCSI controller functionality if workaround was applied.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual VMX process behavior
- PVSCSI controller error messages
- Memory access violations in host logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic from VMX processes
- Unexpected outbound connections from virtualization hosts
SIEM Query:
Search for 'PVSCSI' errors or 'heap overflow' in VMware logs combined with privilege escalation events