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CVE-2013-5972: VMware Workstation 9.x before 9.0.3 and VMware Player 5.x before 5.0.3 on Linux do not properly handle shared

39
Routine
HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2013-5972 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting workstation, player. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

VMware Workstation 9.x before 9.0.3 and VMware Player 5.x before 5.0.3 on Linux do not properly handle shared libraries, which allows host OS users to gain host OS privileges via unspecified vectors.

Why this priority

  • High severity
  • On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance0.4% (top 65%)
CISA exploited listNo
WeaknessCWE-264
Published2013-11-18
Last modified2026-06-16
Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: vmware

Share: LinkedIn · X · Reddit

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

vmware workstation DOWNGRADE
Affected: 9.0 · 9.0.1 · 9.0.2
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 9.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy workstation || rpm -q workstation || workstation --version
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 9.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison workstation sudo apt install workstation=<VERSION_BEFORE_9.0> sudo apt-mark hold workstation
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list workstation sudo dnf downgrade workstation-<VERSION_BEFORE_9.0> sudo dnf versionlock add workstation
Downgrade risk
Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.
After downgrade
Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.
vmware player DOWNGRADE
Affected: 5.0 · 5.0.1 · 5.0.2
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.0
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy player || rpm -q player || player --version
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)
apt-cache madison player sudo apt install player=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0> sudo apt-mark hold player
2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
dnf --showduplicates list player sudo dnf downgrade player-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0> sudo dnf versionlock add player
Downgrade risk
Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.
After downgrade
Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.
Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2013-5972?

workstation: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; player: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2013-5972 being exploited?

CVE-2013-5972 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2013-5972 affect?

CVE-2013-5972 affects workstation, player. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). VMware Workstation 9.x before 9.0.3 and VMware Player 5.x before 5.0.3 on Linux do not properly handle shared libraries, which allows host OS users to gain host OS privileges via unspecified vectors.

How urgent is CVE-2013-5972?

Priority 39/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

VMware vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

References

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