---
title: "CISA Warns of Actively Exploited VMware vCenter Vulnerability"
short_title: "Critical VMware vCenter flaw under active attack"
description: "CISA adds CVE-2024-37079 to its KEV Catalog after evidence of active exploitation. Learn mitigation steps and why immediate patching is critical."
author: "Vitus"
date: 2025-01-24
categories: [Cybersecurity, Vulnerabilities]
tags: [cve-2024-37079, vmware, vcenter, cisa, known-exploited-vulnerabilities]
score: 0.87
cve_ids: [CVE-2024-37079]
---
TL;DR
CISA has added CVE-2024-37079, a critical out-of-bounds write vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server, to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog due to evidence of active exploitation. Federal agencies must patch immediately, while all organizations are urged to prioritize remediation to mitigate risks of cyberattacks.
---
Main Content
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has escalated its response to a severe vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server after confirming its active exploitation in the wild. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-37079, has been added to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog, signaling an urgent need for organizations to address it.
This vulnerability poses a significant threat to federal agencies and enterprises alike, as it enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary code remotely. Given its potential for widespread impact, CISA’s advisory underscores the importance of timely patching and robust vulnerability management practices.
---
Key Points
- CVE-2024-37079 is an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server, allowing remote code execution (RCE).
- CISA has confirmed active exploitation of this flaw, prompting its inclusion in the KEV Catalog.
- Binding Operational Directive (BOD) 22-01 mandates federal agencies to remediate the vulnerability by the specified deadline.
- While BOD 22-01 applies to Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies, CISA urges all organizations to prioritize patching to reduce exposure to cyberattacks.
---
Technical Details
CVE-2024-37079 is classified as an out-of-bounds write vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server, a centralized management platform for VMware environments. Exploitation of this flaw could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The vulnerability arises from improper memory handling, enabling attackers to overwrite critical data structures. This type of flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it a prime target for threat actors.
---
Impact Assessment
The inclusion of CVE-2024-37079 in CISA’s KEV Catalog highlights its severity and the immediate risk it poses. Key implications include:
- Federal Agencies: Under BOD 22-01, FCEB agencies must remediate the vulnerability by the deadline to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
- Enterprises: Organizations using VMware vCenter Server are at risk of data breaches, ransomware attacks, and unauthorized access if the flaw is left unpatched.
- Threat Actors: Cybercriminals and state-sponsored groups may leverage this vulnerability to gain footholds in networks, exfiltrate data, or deploy malware.
---
Mitigation Steps
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-37079, organizations should take the following actions:
1. Apply Patches Immediately: VMware has released updates to address this vulnerability. Ensure all affected systems are patched without delay.
2. Review CISA’s KEV Catalog: Stay informed about other known exploited vulnerabilities and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly.
3. Enhance Monitoring: Deploy advanced threat detection tools to identify and respond to exploitation attempts in real time.
4. Segment Networks: Isolate critical systems, such as vCenter Servers, to limit the spread of potential attacks.
5. Educate Teams: Train IT and security staff on the risks associated with this vulnerability and best practices for vulnerability management.
---
Affected Systems
- VMware vCenter Server versions vulnerable to CVE-2024-37079.
- Systems running outdated or unpatched versions of vCenter Server are at highest risk.
---
Conclusion
The addition of CVE-2024-37079 to CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threat landscape. Organizations must act swiftly to patch this vulnerability and strengthen their defenses against potential cyberattacks. While federal agencies are required to comply with BOD 22-01, all enterprises should treat this as a wake-up call to prioritize cybersecurity hygiene and proactive threat mitigation.
For more details, refer to CISA’s official advisory and VMware’s security bulletins to ensure comprehensive protection.
---
References
[^1]: CISA. "[CISA Adds One Known Exploited Vulnerability to Catalog](https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/alerts/2026/01/23/cisa-adds-one-known-exploited-vulnerability-catalog)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^2]: VMware. "[VMSA-2024-0012: VMware vCenter Server Out-of-Bounds Write Vulnerability](https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2024-0012.html)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.
[^3]: CVE. "[CVE-2024-37079 Detail](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2024-37079)". Retrieved 2025-01-24.