Exploited vulnerability · CISA KEV

Is CVE-2025-22225 exploited? Yes: in CISA KEV since 4 Mar 2025

Gociux · VMware ESXi · data: CISA KEV, CVE record, FIRST EPSS

Yes. CVE-2025-22225, VMware ESXi Arbitrary Write Vulnerability, is being exploited in the wild. CISA added it to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on 4 Mar 2025, the day it was published. It is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. It affects VMware ESXi. If you run it, CISA's required action is: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

What it is

VMware ESXi contains an arbitrary write vulnerability. Successful exploitation allows an attacker with privileges within the VMX process to trigger an arbitrary kernel write leading to an escape of the sandbox.

What to do

1. Check whether you run it. Look for ESXi in your asset inventory, including appliances and cloud images. Stack check lists every exploited VMware CVE at once.
2. Apply the fix. Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
3. If you can't patch today, take the affected service off the internet or restrict who can reach it, and check its logs for signs of compromise since 4 Mar 2025.
4. Get told next time. Email alerts when CISA adds a CVE for VMware.

Other exploited CVEs in ESXi

• CVE-2024-37085: VMware ESXi Authentication Bypass Vulnerability (30 Jul 2024)
• CVE-2020-3992: VMware ESXi OpenSLP Use-After-Free Vulnerability (3 Nov 2021)

References

• support.broadcom.com/web/ecx/support-content-notification/-/external/content/Sec
• nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-22225

Sources: CISA KEV (exploitation, ransomware use, required action, due date), the CVE record (publication date, CVSS, CNA), NVD and FIRST EPSS (live score). More: all KEV additions in March 2025 · VMware scorecard · act-now radar.