CVE-2024-38813
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitThe vCenter Server contains a privilege escalation vulnerability.
Published Sep 17, 2024 · Updated Oct 31, 2025
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2024-38813 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Cloud Foundation (Vmware), Vcenter Server (Vmware).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 18, 2024. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 17% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Cloud Foundation 5.2, Vcenter Server 7.0 U3s, Vcenter Server 8.0 U3b.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
17%
Higher than 97.0% 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-2024-38813 brief as a PDF
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Description
The vCenter Server contains a privilege escalation vulnerability. A malicious actor with network access to vCenter Server may trigger this vulnerability to escalate privileges to root by sending a specially crafted network packet.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 20, 2024 | Dec 11, 2024 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 18, 2024 | Dec 11, 2024 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 20, 2024 | Dec 11, 2024 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 20, 2024 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
51 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud FoundationVmware | >= 5.x | 5.2 |
| Vcenter ServerVmware | 7.0, 7.0-a, 7.0-b, 7.0-c, 7.0-d, 7.0-update1, 7.0-update1a, 7.0-update1c | 8.0 U3b |
Patched Releases
Cloud Foundation
5.2
Vcenter Server
7.0 U3s, 8.0 U3b
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Sep 17, 2024
Added to Industry KEV feed
Nov 18, 2024
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 20, 2024
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 20, 2024
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 20, 2024
Last updated
Oct 31, 2025
Weakness Type
- CWE-250 Execution with Unnecessary Privileges
- CWE-273 Improper Check for Dropped Privileges
References
- advisoryVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
The vCenter Server contains a privilege escalation vulnerability.
Affected: Cloud Foundation (Vmware) versions >= 5.x; Vcenter Server (Vmware) versions 7.0, 7.0-a, 7.0-b, 7.0-c, 7.0-d, 7.0-update1, 7.0-update1a, 7.0-update1c. 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 Nov 18, 2024.
Yes. It was added on Nov 20, 2024 with a federal remediation due date of Dec 11, 2024.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Cloud Foundation 5.2, Vcenter Server 7.0 U3s, Vcenter Server 8.0 U3b.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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