CVE-2025-22225: VMware ESXi Arbitrary Write Vulnerability

CVE-2025-22225 · Severity: critical · CVSS 8.2 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2025-03-04

VMware ESXi contains an arbitrary write vulnerability where an attacker with privileges within the VMX process can trigger a kernel write. This flaw allows for a sandbox escape, potentially granting the attacker control over the host system.

Technologies: VMware ESXi, VMware Fusion, VMware Workstation. Vendors: VMware.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2025-22225 exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2025-22225 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 4 March 2025. Treat it as urgent.
How severe is CVE-2025-22225?
Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 8.2, published 4 March 2025.
Which products and versions are affected?
VMware ESXi 7.0, 8.0; VMware Cloud Foundation; VMware Telco Cloud Infrastructure 2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0; VMware Telco Cloud Platform 2.0, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0.1, 5.0.
Is there a fix for CVE-2025-22225?
No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.
How is CVE-2025-22225 attacked?
It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2025-22225?
Check whether you run VMware ESXi, VMware Fusion or VMware Workstation. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

Affected products

  • VMware ESXi 7.0, 8.0
  • VMware Cloud Foundation
  • VMware Telco Cloud Infrastructure 2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0
  • VMware Telco Cloud Platform 2.0, 2.5, 2.7, 3.0, 4.0, 4.0.1, 5.0

Timeline

  • 2025-03-04: disclosed: CVE received from VMware
  • 2025-03-04: advisory: Vendor advisory published by Broadcom/VMware
  • 2025-03-04: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
  • 2025-03-04: exploited: Reported as exploited in the wild per CISA KEV entry

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