Critical VMware Security Alert: CVE-2025-22247 Vulnerability in Open VM Tools (Patch Now)

 

Critical CVE-2025-22247 flaw in Open VM Tools allows privilege escalation in Ubuntu VMs. Learn patch versions for 20.04-25.04, mitigation steps, and how Ubuntu Pro extends security coverage for enterprise workloads.

Threat Level: High (Privilege Escalation Risk)


Urgent Security Advisory: Open VM Tools Vulnerability Exposes Systems to Attack

A newly discovered vulnerability (CVE-2025-22247) in Open VM Tools—the open-source implementation of VMware Tools—could allow attackers to overwrite sensitive files and escalate privileges within virtualized environments. 

This critical flaw affects all supported Ubuntu LTS releases, including:

• Ubuntu 25.04 (Plucky)

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble)

• Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (Jammy)

• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal)

Why This Vulnerability Matters for Enterprises

Virtualization security is a top priority for IT administrators managing cloud infrastructure. This exploit could enable:

✔ Unauthorized file modifications in guest VMs

✔ Privilege escalation attacks within compromised systems

✔ Lateral movement across virtualized networks

Did You Know? Over 60% of enterprise workloads now run on virtual machines, making VMware Tools a high-value target for attackers.

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Affected Packages & Patch Instructions

The vulnerability stems from improper file handling in Open VM Tools. Immediate patching is required for these versions:

Ubuntu Release	Fixed Package Version
25.04 (Plucky)	2:12.5.0-1ubuntu0.1
24.10 (Oracular)	2:12.4.5-1ubuntu0.1
24.04 LTS (Noble)	2:12.4.5-1~ubuntu0.24.04.2
22.04 LTS (Jammy)	2:12.3.5-3~ubuntu0.22.04.2
20.04 LTS (Focal)	2:11.3.0-2ubuntu0~ubuntu20.04.8

How to Patch

1. Run a standard system update:

   bash

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   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

2. Verify the installed version:

   bash

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   apt list --installed | grep open-vm-tools

Pro Tip: Enterprises using Ubuntu Pro gain extended security coverage for 25,000+ packages, including Open VM Tools. Get Ubuntu Pro Free (5 Machines).

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Mitigation Strategies for High-Risk Environments

For organizations unable to patch immediately:

• Restrict VM-to-VM communication using network segmentation

• Monitor for anomalous file modifications with FIM (File Integrity Monitoring) tools

• Consider temporary isolation of critical workloads

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FAQ: VMware Tools Security Concerns

Q: Is this vulnerability exploitable remotely?

A: No—the attacker must have guest VM access, but it could facilitate lateral movement.

Q: Are other Linux distributions affected?

A: This advisory covers Ubuntu, but other distros using Open VM Tools should check for updates.

Q: How does Ubuntu Pro improve security?

A: It provides 10-year CVE patches for Main/Universe repositories, reducing long-term risk.