CVE-2023-34059: open-vm-tools contains a file descriptor hijack vulnerability in the vmware-user-suid-wrapper. A malicious act

Routine

HIGH 7.4WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2023-34059 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.4) affecting open vm tools, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

open-vm-tools contains a file descriptor hijack vulnerability in the vmware-user-suid-wrapper. A malicious actor with non-root privileges may be able to hijack the /dev/uinput file descriptor allowing them to simulate user inputs.

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.4 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 66%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-404
Published	2023-10-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): VMware · Vendor: debian · 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 open vm tools UPGRADE

Affected: >= 11.0.0 and <= 12.3.0

Fixed in: newer than 12.3.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 11.0.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 12.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade open-vm-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 11.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison open-vm-tools sudo apt install open-vm-tools=<VERSION_BEFORE_11.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold open-vm-tools

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

dnf --showduplicates list open-vm-tools sudo dnf downgrade open-vm-tools-<VERSION_BEFORE_11.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add open-vm-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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 10.0 · 11.0 · 12.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 10.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2023-34059?

open vm tools: upgrade to newer than 12.3.0; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-34059 being exploited?

CVE-2023-34059 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-2023-34059 affect?

CVE-2023-34059 affects open vm tools, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.4). open-vm-tools contains a file descriptor hijack vulnerability in the vmware-user-suid-wrapper. A malicious actor with non-root privileges may be able to hijack the /dev/uinput file descriptor allowing them to simulate user inputs.

How urgent is CVE-2023-34059?

Priority 39/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities · VMware vulnerabilities

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References

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