CVE-2024-37085
HighExploitedPublic exploitVMware ESXi contains an authentication bypass vulnerability.
Published Jun 26, 2024 · Updated Oct 21, 2025 · Also known as TR-24-0791
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2024-37085 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.2 v3.1) affecting Cloud Foundation (Vmware), Esxi (Vmware).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 23, 2024 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 27% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Cloud Foundation 5.2, Esxi ESXi80U3-24022510.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.2
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
27%
Higher than 98.0% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2024-37085 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
VMware ESXi contains an authentication bypass vulnerability. A malicious actor with sufficient Active Directory (AD) permissions can gain full access to an ESXi host that was previously configured to use AD for user management https://blogs.vmware.com/vsphere/2012/09/joining-vsphere-hosts-to-active-directory.html by re-creating the configured AD group ('ESXi Admins' by default) after it was deleted from AD.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jul 30, 2024 | Aug 20, 2024 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Apr 23, 2024 | Aug 20, 2024 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Jul 30, 2024 | Aug 20, 2024 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Jul 30, 2024 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
15 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud FoundationVmware | >= 5.x | 5.2 |
| EsxiVmware | 7.0, 8.0, 8.0-a, 8.0-b, 8.0-c, 8.0-update_1, 8.0-update_1a, 8.0-update_1c | ESXi80U3-24022510 |
Patched Releases
Cloud Foundation
5.2
Esxi
ESXi80U3-24022510
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Apr 23, 2024
Publicly disclosed
Jun 26, 2024
Added to CISA KEV
Jul 30, 2024
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jul 30, 2024
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jul 30, 2024
Last updated
Oct 21, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-287 Improper Authentication
- CWE-305 Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness
References
- advisoryhttps://support.broadcom.com/web/ecx/support-content-notification/-/external/content/SecurityAdvisories/0/24505
- advisoryUSOM advisory
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
VMware ESXi contains an authentication bypass vulnerability.
Affected: Cloud Foundation (Vmware) versions >= 5.x; Esxi (Vmware) versions 7.0, 8.0, 8.0-a, 8.0-b, 8.0-c, 8.0-update_1, 8.0-update_1a, 8.0-update_1c. 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 23, 2024 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Jul 30, 2024 with a federal remediation due date of Aug 20, 2024.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Cloud Foundation 5.2, Esxi ESXi80U3-24022510.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2024-37085 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo