CVE-2012-1517

The VMX process in VMware ESXi 4.1 and ESX 4.1 does not properly handle RPC commands, which allows guest OS users to cause a denial of service (memory…

published May 4, 2012

CVSS
—
EPSS
2%
Percentile
84.0
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A troublesome flaw lurks in VMware's VMX process! Poor handling of RPC commands could let guest OS users crash the host — that's like a guest at a party pulling the fire alarm just for fun! 🔥 Think of the VMX process as a hotel manager. If someone from a guest room can mess with the manager's instructions — like changing room assignments at will — it could lead to a chaotic situation where some guests are left stranded or confused. This vulnerability can lead to a denial of service, causing the host OS to crash and potentially allowing the execution of arbitrary code! That means an attacker could disrupt operations or even gain control, creating a major headache for admins and users alike.

Put simply

Think of the VMX process as a hotel manager. If someone from a guest room can mess with the manager's instructions — like changing room assignments at will — it could lead to a chaotic situation where some guests are left stranded or confused. The exploit centers around improper handling of RPC commands in VMware ESXi and ESX 4.1, allowing guest OS users to overwrite memory and crash the VMX process, which is crucial for managing virtual machines.

What to do

This vulnerability can lead to a denial of service, causing the host OS to crash and potentially allowing the execution of arbitrary code! That means an attacker could disrupt operations or even gain control, creating a major headache for admins and users alike. To safeguard your systems, ensure you upgrade to a patched version of VMware ESXi or ESX. Regularly monitor your environment and consider restricting guest OS capabilities to minimize risks. 🛡️ You've got this! Stay proactive, and you'll keep your virtual environment secure! 💪✨

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02430 · 84.0th percentile
Published
2012-05-04T16:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 04 MAY 16:00Z
    The VMX process in VMware ESXi 4.1 and ESX 4.1 does not properly handle RPC commands, which allows guest OS users to cause a denial of service (memory…
    cvelistv5