CVE-2023-34057: VMware Tools contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability. A malicious actor with local user access to

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2023-34057 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting tools. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

VMware Tools contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability. A malicious actor with local user access to a guest virtual machine may elevate privileges within the virtual machine.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 91%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-269
Published	2023-10-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): VMware · Vendor: vmware

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-10-27 05:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:02 UTCUpdated Record last modified

vmware tools UPGRADE

Affected: >= 10.3.0 and < 12.1.1

Fixed in: 12.1.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.3.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy tools || rpm -q tools || tools --version

2. UPGRADE to 12.1.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade tools

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade tools

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 10.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison tools sudo apt install tools=<VERSION_BEFORE_10.3.0> sudo apt-mark hold tools

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list tools sudo dnf downgrade tools-<VERSION_BEFORE_10.3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add tools

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-2023-34057?

tools: upgrade to 12.1.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-34057 being exploited?

CVE-2023-34057 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-2023-34057 affect?

CVE-2023-34057 affects tools. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). VMware Tools contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability. A malicious actor with local user access to a guest virtual machine may elevate privileges within the virtual machine.

How urgent is CVE-2023-34057?

Priority 30/100. High severity

Software pages

VMware vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-20900 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE UPGRADE A malicious actor that has been granted Guest Operation Privileges https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/
CVE-2023-34058 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE MITIGATE VMware Tools contains a SAML token signature bypass vulnerability. A malicious actor that has been granted Gu
CVE-2023-20867 LOW 3.9 EXPLOITED UPGRADE MITIGATE VMware Tools Authentication Bypass Vulnerability
CVE-2022-31693 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE VMware Tools for Windows (12.x.y prior to 12.1.5, 11.x.y and 10.x.y) contains a denial-of-service vulnerabilit
CVE-2022-31676 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE VMware Tools (12.0.0, 11.x.y and 10.x.y) contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability

References

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