CVE-2022-22960
HighExploitedPublic exploitVMware Workspace ONE Access, Identity Manager and vRealize Automation contain a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper permissions in support scripts.
Published Apr 14, 2022 · Updated Oct 21, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2022-22960 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Cloud Foundation (Vmware), Identity Manager (Vmware), Vrealize Automation (Vmware) and 3 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 6, 2022. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 36% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Cloud Foundation 5.0, Vrealize Suite Lifecycle Manager 9.0.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
36%
Higher than 98.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2022-22960 brief as a PDF
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Description
VMware Workspace ONE Access, Identity Manager and vRealize Automation contain a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper permissions in support scripts. A malicious actor with local access can escalate privileges to 'root'.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Apr 15, 2022 | May 6, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 6, 2022 | May 6, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Apr 15, 2022 | May 6, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Apr 15, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
12 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud FoundationVmware | See advisory | 5.0 |
| Identity ManagerVmware | 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.5, 3.3.6 | n/a |
| Vrealize AutomationVmware | 7.6 | n/a |
| Vrealize Suite Lifecycle ManagerVmware | See advisory | 9.0 |
| Workspace One AccessVmware | 20.10.0.0, 20.10.0.1, 21.08.0.0, 21.08.0.1 | n/a |
Patched Releases
Cloud Foundation
5.0
Vrealize Suite Lifecycle Manager
9.0
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 6, 2022
Publicly disclosed
Apr 14, 2022
Added to CISA KEV
Apr 15, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Apr 15, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Apr 15, 2022
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-732 Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource
References
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2022-22955
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2022-22956
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2022-22957
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2022-22958
- advisoryhttps://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2022-22959
FAQ
Common Questions.
VMware Workspace ONE Access, Identity Manager and vRealize Automation contain a privilege escalation vulnerability due to improper permissions in support scripts.
Affected: Cloud Foundation (Vmware); Identity Manager (Vmware) versions 3.3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.5, 3.3.6; Vrealize Automation (Vmware) versions 7.6, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 6, 2022.
Yes. It was added on Apr 15, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of May 6, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Cloud Foundation 5.0, Vrealize Suite Lifecycle Manager 9.0.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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