CVE-2025-41236: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in VMware ESXi
CVE-2025-41236 is a critical integer-overflow vulnerability in the VMXNET3 virtual network adapter used by VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion. A local attacker with administrative privileges on a virtual machine using the VMXNET3 adapter could exploit this flaw to execute code on the host system. This vulnerability does not affect other virtual network adapters. The CVSS score is 9.3, indicating a high severity with potential for full host compromise. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided by VMware. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability (CVE-2025-41236) involves an integer-overflow leading to an out-of-bounds write in the VMXNET3 virtual network adapter component of VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion. Exploitation requires local administrative privileges on a VM configured with the VMXNET3 adapter. Successful exploitation may allow code execution on the host, potentially compromising the host system. Other virtual network adapters are not affected. The vulnerability affects VMware ESXi versions 7.0 and 8.0. The CVSS v3.1 score is 9.3, reflecting critical impact with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability consequences.
Potential Impact
If exploited, this vulnerability allows a local attacker with administrative rights inside a VM using the VMXNET3 adapter to execute arbitrary code on the host system, potentially leading to full host compromise. This could result in unauthorized access to host resources and control over other virtual machines running on the host. The vulnerability does not affect VMs using non-VMXNET3 adapters.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the VMware advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, avoid using the VMXNET3 virtual network adapter in environments where untrusted users have administrative access to VMs. Monitor VMware's security advisories for updates and apply patches promptly once released.
CVE-2025-41236: CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write in VMware ESXi
Description
CVE-2025-41236 is a critical integer-overflow vulnerability in the VMXNET3 virtual network adapter used by VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion. A local attacker with administrative privileges on a virtual machine using the VMXNET3 adapter could exploit this flaw to execute code on the host system. This vulnerability does not affect other virtual network adapters. The CVSS score is 9.3, indicating a high severity with potential for full host compromise. No official patch or remediation information is currently provided by VMware. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time.
CVSS v3.1
Score 9.3critical
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability (CVE-2025-41236) involves an integer-overflow leading to an out-of-bounds write in the VMXNET3 virtual network adapter component of VMware ESXi, Workstation, and Fusion. Exploitation requires local administrative privileges on a VM configured with the VMXNET3 adapter. Successful exploitation may allow code execution on the host, potentially compromising the host system. Other virtual network adapters are not affected. The vulnerability affects VMware ESXi versions 7.0 and 8.0. The CVSS v3.1 score is 9.3, reflecting critical impact with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability consequences.
Potential Impact
If exploited, this vulnerability allows a local attacker with administrative rights inside a VM using the VMXNET3 adapter to execute arbitrary code on the host system, potentially leading to full host compromise. This could result in unauthorized access to host resources and control over other virtual machines running on the host. The vulnerability does not affect VMs using non-VMXNET3 adapters.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the VMware advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, avoid using the VMXNET3 virtual network adapter in environments where untrusted users have administrative access to VMs. Monitor VMware's security advisories for updates and apply patches promptly once released.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- vmware
- Date Reserved
- 2025-04-16T09:30:17.798Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6876a1f4a83201eaaccfe700
Added to database: 07/15/2025, 18:46:12 UTC
Last enriched: 05/26/2026, 20:20:55 UTC
Last updated: 06/26/2026, 20:56:17 UTC
Views: 774
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