CVE-2012-3569Ovf Tool Vulnerability
Format string vulnerability in VMware OVF Tool 2.1 on Windows, as used in VMware Workstation 8.x before 8.0.5, VMware Player 4.x before 4.0.5, and other products, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OVF file.
Published Nov 14, 2012 · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2012-3569 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.3 v2) affecting Ovf Tool (Vmware), Player (Vmware), Workstation (Vmware).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 48% 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 public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v2
9.3
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
48%
Higher than 98.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
ATLAS score
58/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Weaponized
Public exploit code
4
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
Description
Format string vulnerability in VMware OVF Tool 2.1 on Windows, as used in VMware Workstation 8.x before 8.0.5, VMware Player 4.x before 4.0.5, and other products, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OVF file.
Affected Products
14 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Ovf ToolVmware | 2.1 | n/a |
| PlayerVmware | 4.0, 4.0.0.18997, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.0.3, 4.0.4 | n/a |
| WorkstationVmware | 8.0, 8.0.0.18997, 8.0.1, 8.0.1.27038, 8.0.2, 8.0.3, 8.0.4 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Nov 14, 2012
Last updated
Apr 28, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-134 Use of Externally-Controlled Format String
References
- patchvmware.com · VMSA-2012-0015.html
- exploitMSF ovftool_format_string.rb
- exploitMSF ovf_format_string.rb
- exploitExploitDB-24460
- exploitExploitDB-24461
FAQ
Common Questions.
Format string vulnerability in VMware OVF Tool 2.1 on Windows, as used in VMware Workstation 8.x before 8.0.5, VMware Player 4.x before 4.0.5, and other products, allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted OVF file.
Affected: Ovf Tool (Vmware) versions 2.1; Player (Vmware) versions 4.0, 4.0.0.18997, 4.0.1, 4.0.2, 4.0.3, 4.0.4; Workstation (Vmware) versions 8.0, 8.0.0.18997, 8.0.1, 8.0.1.27038, 8.0.2, 8.0.3, 8.0.4. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
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 public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2012-3569 On Your Attack Surface?
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