CVE-2025-22247: VMware Tools Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2025-22247 Overview

VMware Tools contains an insecure file handling vulnerability. A malicious actor with non-administrative privileges on a guest VM may tamper the local files to trigger insecure file operations within that VM.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability can allow tampering with local files, potentially leading to further exploitation.

Affected Products

VMware Tools (specific versions not listed)
Not Available
Not Available

Discovery Timeline

2025-05-12 - CVE-2025-22247 published to NVD
2025-11-04 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-22247

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability arises from improper handling of sensitive file operations within a guest VM, allowing an attacker with limited privileges to manipulate files, potentially resulting in unauthorized actions being executed.

Root Cause

The insecure handling of file operations is due to insufficient validation and sanitation of file paths, which allows unauthorized tampering.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability can be exploited locally by a non-administrative user on the guest VM, taking advantage of insecure file handling operations.

bash

# Example exploitation code
ln -s /path/to/victim/file /path/to/symlink

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22247

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected symlinks in logs
Unauthorized file modifications
Suspicious process activity within the guest VM

Detection Strategies

Employ file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications. Implement logging to capture symlink creation and access to critical files.

Monitoring Recommendations

Regularly audit file system changes and monitor for anomalous symlink behaviors, using tools like auditd on Linux systems.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22247

Immediate Actions Required

Restrict file permissions to minimize write access
Monitor for unauthorized symlink creation
Apply principle of least privilege to non-administrative accounts

Patch Information

No official patch has been specified for this vulnerability yet. Refer to vendor advisories and security updates regularly.

Workarounds

Implement strict file permission policies and use access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications.