Is CVE-2023-20867 actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2023-20867 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, which means exploitation in the wild has been confirmed.

Can CVE-2023-20867 be exploited remotely?

The attack vector of CVE-2023-20867 has not been classified yet.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2023-20867?

CVE-2023-20867 has not received a CVSS score yet.

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2023-20867

HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2023-20867

Published: June 23, 2023

EPSS:3.13%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:86.6th

Official Description

VMware Tools contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the vgauth module. A fully compromised ESXi host can force VMware Tools to fail to authenticate host-to-guest operations, impacting the confidentiality and integrity of the guest virtual machine. An attacker must have root access over ESXi to exploit this vulnerability.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

VMware Tools Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

Added to KEV: 2023-06-23Federal patch deadline: 2023-07-14

Required Action (CISA)

Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Risk Analysis

VMware Tools contains an authentication bypass in the vgauth module. This high-severity flaw can impact the confidentiality and integrity of guest virtual machines if an ESXi host is fully compromised. Its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog and an EPSS score of 0.03133 confirm it as a known and exploited vulnerability.

This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild, as confirmed by CISA's KEV catalog. Exploitation requires an attacker to first have root access to the ESXi host.

Recommended Action

Ensure all VMware ESXi hosts and VMware Tools installations are updated to the latest secure versions. Implement strong security measures to prevent root access to ESXi hosts.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2023-20867 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

CISA has added CVE-2023-20867 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.