CVE-2023-34048: VMware vCenter Server · Vulnerability
Affects VMware vCenter ServerSource CVE Database V5
Exploited in the wild · KEV due 12 Feb 2024 · public detection template (Nuclei) · 99% EPSS : apply the vendor's fix or mitigations to VMware vCenter Server now.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 06:26 UTC
- KEV deadline
- US federal agencies must patch by this date; a sensible deadline for everyone else.
- EPSS
- 99.2% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 99% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
t = 0 is the CVE’s publication on cve.org
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 25 Oct 2023
Detectable: evidence found.
nuclei template: VMware vCenter Server - Out-of-Bounds Write
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: evidence found.
Listed in CISA KEV 89 days after disclosure
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
Timeline
CVE ID reserved
by vmware
, 153 days before disclosure
CVE published
on cve.org
, t = 0
Added to CISA KEV (opens in a new tab)
exploitation confirmed
, 89 days after disclosure
KEV remediation due
US federal deadline
, 110 days after disclosure
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), CISA KEV (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-26.
What to do
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| VMware VMware vCenter Server | Affected
| Fixed in– |
Description
CVE-2023-34048 is a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server versions 7.0 and 8.0, specifically in the DCERPC protocol implementation. This flaw allows a remote attacker with network access to the vCenter Server to trigger memory corruption that can lead to remote code execution without requiring authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a severe risk to confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the critical nature of vCenter Server in enterprise environments make this a significant threat. European organizations relying on VMware vCenter for virtualization management are at high risk, especially in countries with large enterprise IT infrastructures. Immediate patching or mitigation is essential to prevent potential compromise. Defenders should prioritize network segmentation, restrict access to vCenter Server, and monitor for suspicious activity related to DCERPC traffic.