CVE-2025-41244
Published: October 30, 2025
Official Description
Broadcom VMware Aria Operations and VMware Tools contain a privilege defined with unsafe actions vulnerability. A malicious local actor with non-administrative privileges having access to a VM with VMware Tools installed and managed by Aria Operations with SDMP enabled may exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges to root on the same VM.
CISA KEV Advisory
Broadcom VMware Aria Operations and VMware Tools Privilege Defined with Unsafe Actions Vulnerability
Broadcom VMware Aria Operations and VMware Tools contain a privilege defined with unsafe actions vulnerability. A malicious local actor with non-administrative privileges having access to a VM with VMware Tools installed and managed by Aria Operations with SDMP enabled may exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges to root on the same VM.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in Broadcom VMware Aria Operations and VMware Tools involves a privilege defined with unsafe actions. A malicious local actor with non-administrative privileges on a VM with VMware Tools installed and managed by Aria Operations with SDMP enabled can exploit this to escalate privileges to root on the same VM. Its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog confirms active exploitation, making this a critical local privilege escalation.
Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in the wild. This is a local exploitation scenario, requiring a malicious local actor with non-administrative privileges.
Administrators should apply the latest security updates for Broadcom VMware Aria Operations and VMware Tools. Implement the principle of least privilege for all users and virtual machines.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-41244 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-2025-41244 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.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2025-41244 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1