CVE-2025-41228: VMware ESXi & vCenter XSS Vulnerability

CVE-2025-41228 is a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in VMware ESXi and vCenter Server caused by improper input validation. Attackers can steal cookies or redirect users to malicious sites. This article covers technical details, affected systems, impact assessment, and mitigation strategies.

CVE-2025-41228 Overview

VMware ESXi and vCenter Server contain a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability due to improper input validation. A malicious actor with network access to the login page of certain ESXi host or vCenter Server URL paths may exploit this issue to steal cookies or redirect to malicious websites.

Critical Impact
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the user's browser session.

Affected Products

VMware ESXi
VMware vCenter Server
Not Available

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Not Available
Not Available - CVE CVE-2025-41228 assigned
Not Available - Not Available releases security patch
2025-05-20T15:16:07.943 - CVE CVE-2025-41228 published to NVD
2025-05-21T20:25:16.407 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-41228

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, reflected XSS due to improper input validation on specific URL paths. This allows attackers to inject scripts that can be executed by unsuspecting users when accessing the compromised paths.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper input validation in the login page of VMware ESXi and vCenter Server.

Attack Vector

Network access to the login page is required for exploitation, making it a potential target for remote attackers.

javascript

// Example exploitation code (sanitized)
<script>
  alert('XSS Vulnerability Exploited');
</script>

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-41228

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual redirects in user logs
Unrecognized script tags in URL parameters
User-reported login issues

Detection Strategies

Detect unexpected query parameters on key URL paths and monitor for script injection patterns in HTTP requests.

Monitoring Recommendations

Implement logging and monitoring of HTTP request paths and query parameters for irregularities.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-41228

Immediate Actions Required

Sanitize input on vulnerable endpoints
Implement Content Security Policy (CSP)
Educate users on phishing threats

Patch Information

Monitor VMware advisories and apply security patches as they become available to address this vulnerability.

Workarounds

Disable affected URL paths if patching is not immediately possible or limit access to known, trusted IPs.

bash

# Configuration example
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp -s <trusted_ip> --dport 80 -j ACCEPT