Broadcom has released critical security patches for VMware products. These patches address three zero-day vulnerabilities that hackers have actively exploited. The flaws affect VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion. Organizations using these products must update immediately to avoid security risks.
The Discovered Vulnerabilities
Broadcom identified and fixed three serious vulnerabilities:
- CVE-2025-22224 – A heap overflow vulnerability. It has a CVSS score of 9.3. Attackers with administrative access to a virtual machine (VM) can execute code on the host’s VMX process. This can lead to a sandbox escape, allowing an attacker to gain control over the host.
- CVE-2025-22225 – An arbitrary write vulnerability. It has a CVSS score of 8.2. Exploiting this flaw allows an attacker to manipulate memory within the VMX process. This could result in a successful sandbox escape, compromising the host system.
- CVE-2025-22226 – An out-of-bounds read vulnerability. It has a CVSS score of 7.1. This issue exists in the HGFS component. It allows an attacker with admin access to a VM to read memory from the VMX process. This could expose sensitive data.
Active Exploitation in the Wild
Broadcom has confirmed that attackers have exploited these vulnerabilities. The company issued a security advisory stating that it has evidence of active exploitation. This means hackers are already using these flaws to target systems.
Affected VMware Products
The vulnerabilities impact several VMware products, including:
- VMware ESXi – A widely used hypervisor for enterprise environments.
- VMware Workstation – A desktop virtualization solution.
- VMware Fusion – A virtualization tool for macOS users.
Organizations using these products are at high risk if they do not apply the patches.
Why These Vulnerabilities Are Dangerous
The flaws allow attackers to bypass security controls. Once inside, they can gain unauthorized access to host machines. In enterprise environments, this could mean compromising entire virtual infrastructure setups. Attackers can steal sensitive information, disrupt services, and launch further attacks.
These types of vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in cloud and data center environments. VMware ESXi is widely used in enterprise settings. If an attacker exploits these flaws, they could compromise multiple virtual machines at once.
How Attackers Could Exploit These Flaws
- Gaining Access – Attackers must first gain admin privileges inside a virtual machine.
- Executing Exploits – Once inside, they exploit the vulnerabilities to manipulate memory or escape the sandbox.
- Gaining Control – Successful exploitation gives attackers control over the host system. This allows them to access other virtual machines and sensitive data.
Immediate Action Required
Organizations must act quickly to protect their systems. Broadcom has provided patches to fix these vulnerabilities. Delaying updates can expose systems to cyberattacks.
Steps to Mitigate the Risks
- Apply Patches – Update VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion to the latest versions. Broadcom has released patches addressing these vulnerabilities.
- Restrict Admin Access – Limit administrative privileges within virtual machines to reduce the risk of exploitation.
- Monitor System Logs – Regularly check logs for signs of unusual activity that may indicate an attack.
- Enhance Security Measures – Implement additional security controls, such as endpoint protection and network segmentation.
- Stay Informed – Follow VMware security advisories and cybersecurity news to stay updated on potential threats.
How to Apply the Patches
Broadcom has provided updated versions of VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion. Users can download the patches from Broadcom’s official website. The company has also published detailed security advisories to guide users through the update process.
IT teams should schedule downtime for applying patches as soon as possible. Delaying updates can give attackers a window of opportunity to exploit these vulnerabilities.
The Impact of Not Patching
Failing to apply these patches can have severe consequences. Organizations could face:
- Data Breaches – Attackers can steal sensitive business data.
- Ransomware Attacks – Exploited systems could be used to deploy ransomware.
- Operational Disruptions – Cyberattacks can bring down critical business services.
- Regulatory Fines – Businesses may face compliance penalties for not addressing known security risks.
Lessons from Past VMware Exploits
This is not the first time VMware vulnerabilities have been exploited. In the past, hackers have used similar flaws to compromise virtual environments. The best defense against such attacks is regular patching and strong cybersecurity practices.
The Role of Cybersecurity Teams
Security teams play a crucial role in defending against these threats. They should:
- Conduct Security Audits – Regularly assess virtualization environments for vulnerabilities.
- Train Employees – Educate IT staff about secure VM configurations and patching best practices.
- Implement Intrusion Detection – Use security tools to detect signs of exploitation attempts.
- Work with Vendors – Stay in touch with Broadcom and other security vendors for timely updates.
Broadcom’s Response and Future Security Measures
Broadcom has assured users that it is actively working to improve VMware security. The company has increased its focus on vulnerability detection and patching speed. It also encourages organizations to report security issues promptly.
Conclusion
The recently discovered VMware vulnerabilities pose a serious risk. Hackers are already exploiting these flaws. Broadcom has released urgent patches to mitigate the threat. Organizations must act now by applying updates, monitoring systems, and strengthening security measures. Ignoring these vulnerabilities could lead to devastating cyberattacks.
Regular patching and proactive security measures are the best ways to defend against such threats. Staying informed and acting quickly will help organizations protect their virtualization environments from future risks.