CVE-2026-46300: VMware ESX insufficient logging vulnerability

CVE-2026-46300 · Severity: critical · CVSS 2.7 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2026-07-30

VMware ESX, a platform used to run multiple virtual servers on a single physical machine, contains a flaw that prevents certain administrative actions from being recorded in system logs. A malicious user who already has high-level administrative access could use this to perform unauthorized operations without leaving an audit trail. While this does not grant new access, it significantly hinders the ability of security teams to detect or investigate internal misconduct or compromised admin accounts.

Technologies: VMware Cloud Foundation, VMware ESXi, VMware vSphere Foundation. Vendors: Broadcom, VMware.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-46300 exploited in the wild?
Yes. CVE-2026-46300 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 28 October 2026. Treat it as urgent.
How severe is CVE-2026-46300?
Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 2.7, published 30 July 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
VMware Cloud Foundation 5.x before 5.2.4, 9.0.x.x, 9.1.x.x; VMware ESX 8.0 before ESXi80U3j-25429389, 9.0.x.x before ESXi-9.0.2.0100-25595025, 9.1.x.x before ESXi-9.1.0.0-25370933; VMware ESXi 8.0 before ESXi80U3j-25429389, 9.0.x.x before ESXi-9.0.2.0100-25595025, 9.1.x.x before ESXi-9.1.0.0-25370933; VMware vSphere Foundation 9.0.x.x, 9.1.x.x.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-46300?
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-2026-46300 attacked?
It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-46300?
Check whether you run Broadcom Vmware Esx, VMware Cloud Foundation, VMware ESX or one of the others listed at an affected version. 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.

Technical details

VMware ESX is affected by an insufficient logging vulnerability (CWE-778). The flaw allows a malicious actor with high-level administrative privileges (PR:H) to execute specific operations that fail to trigger expected audit logs. The attack vector is listed as network-based, though it requires pre-existing administrative credentials. This vulnerability impacts the integrity of the audit trail rather than the direct confidentiality or availability of the host. Patches have been released for ESXi 8.0, 9.0, and 9.1 branches, as well as associated VMware Foundation and Cloud products.

Affected products

  • VMware ESX / ESXi 8.0 before ESXi80U3j-25429389, 9.0.x.x before ESXi-9.0.2.0100-25595025, 9.1.x.x before ESXi-9.1.0.0-25370933
  • VMware Cloud Foundation 5.x before 5.2.4, 9.0.x.x, 9.1.x.x
  • VMware vSphere Foundation 9.0.x.x, 9.1.x.x
  • VMware Telco Cloud Platform 5.0.x, 5.1.x

Identifiers

  • CVE-2026-46300
  • CVE-2026-41709

Timeline

  • 2026-07-29: advisory: Initial VMSA-2026-0006 advisory published by Broadcom
  • 2026-07-30: disclosed: NVD publication date

References

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