CVE-2009-3733
MediumExploitedPublic exploitDirectory traversal vulnerability in VMware Server 1.x before 1.0.10 build 203137 and 2.x before 2.0.2 build 203138 on Linux, VMware ESXi 3.5, and VMware ESX 3.0.3 and 3.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
Published Nov 2, 2009 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2009-3733 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 5.0 v2) affecting Esx (Vmware), Esxi (Vmware), Server (Vmware).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Feb 27, 2025. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 83% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v2
5.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
83%
Higher than 99.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2009-3733 brief as a PDF
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Description
Directory traversal vulnerability in VMware Server 1.x before 1.0.10 build 203137 and 2.x before 2.0.2 build 203138 on Linux, VMware ESXi 3.5, and VMware ESX 3.0.3 and 3.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Feb 27, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
17 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| EsxVmware | 3.0.3, 3.5 | n/a |
| EsxiVmware | 3.5 | n/a |
| ServerVmware | 1.0, 1.0.1, 1.0.1_build_29996, 1.0.2, 1.0.3, 1.0.4, 1.0.4_build_56528, 1.0.5 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 2, 2009
Added to Industry KEV feed
Feb 27, 2025
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisoryGLSA-201209-25
- advisory1023088
- advisory1023089
- advisoryoval:org.mitre.oval:def:7822
- advisory20091027 VMSA-2009-0015 VMware hosted products and ESX patches resolve two security issues
FAQ
Common Questions.
Directory traversal vulnerability in VMware Server 1.x before 1.0.10 build 203137 and 2.x before 2.0.2 build 203138 on Linux, VMware ESXi 3.5, and VMware ESX 3.0.3 and 3.5 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
Affected: Esx (Vmware) versions 3.0.3, 3.5; Esxi (Vmware) versions 3.5; Server (Vmware) versions 1.0, 1.0.1, 1.0.1_build_29996, 1.0.2, 1.0.3, 1.0.4, 1.0.4_build_56528, 1.0.5. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Feb 27, 2025.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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