CVE-2025-22225
VMware ESXi Arbitrary Write Vulnerability
This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog: attackers are using it. If you run vSphere / ESXi / vCenter, fix it now.
CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
US federal civilian agencies must remediate by Mar 25, 2025.
Patch status
No official fix confirmed yet
Until a fix ships, follow the vendor's mitigations and CISA's required action, limit exposure of affected systems, and watch this record for a patch.
Description
VMware ESXi contains an arbitrary write vulnerability. A malicious actor with privileges within the VMX process may trigger an arbitrary kernel write leading to an escape of the sandbox.
Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database. Official vulnerability data, reproduced as published.
Affected products
| Product | Vendor | Affected versions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| vSphere / ESXi / vCenter | VMware (Broadcom) | 7.0; 8.0 | KEV |
Sources: KEV = CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Intelligence timeline
Developments from the last 30 days, newest first.
- CVSS scoredUpdateKEV
CVE-2025-22225 scored CVSS 8.2: VMware ESXi, VMware ESXi Arbitrary Write Vulnerability
CISA lists this as exploited in the wild and known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Unpatched ESXi systems are exposed to active attacks now.
Basis: NIST National Vulnerability Database
1 earlier event is available with a subscription. See plans.
Coverage
We have not published a story about this vulnerability yet.