Information Disclosure Vulnerability in VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion

CVE-2025-22226

What is CVE-2025-22226?

CVE-2025-22226 is an information disclosure vulnerability identified in VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion products. These software platforms are critical virtualization solutions widely utilized in enterprise environments to manage and run multiple virtual machines efficiently. The vulnerability arises from an out-of-bounds read in the HGFS (Host-Guest File System) component, which could allow an attacker with administrative privileges on a virtual machine to exploit this flaw. By doing so, they may extract sensitive memory information from the vmx process, potentially exposing confidential data and system configurations. Such unauthorized access represents a significant risk, as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of virtual environments, making it essential for organizations to address this vulnerability swiftly.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-22226

1. Data Leakage: The ability for an attacker to read from the memory of the vmx process poses a substantial risk of sensitive data leakage, which can include user credentials, application data, and configuration information. This could lead to further exploitation or unauthorized access to critical systems.

2. Compromise of Virtual Machines: If exploited, the vulnerability can allow malicious actors to gain insights into the operation of virtual machines and potentially manipulate them. This can weaken the overall security posture of the virtual infrastructure, leading to further attacks.

3. Increased Attack Surface: Exploiting this vulnerability could enable attackers to gather intelligence that facilitates additional attacks against the organization's network, including lateral movement to other systems or triggering further vulnerabilities within the virtualization stack.

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