VMware Blocks Patch Access for Some Perpetual License Holders

TL;DR

Some Broadcom VMware customers with perpetual licenses are facing difficulties accessing security patches, increasing their vulnerability to attacks. Broadcom cites challenges in validating entitlements for non-subscription holders, leading to delays in support.

Main Content

Broadcom’s VMware Customers Face Patch Access Issues

In a recent development, some customers of Broadcom’s VMware business are experiencing difficulties accessing essential security patches. This situation leaves these customers more susceptible to cyber attacks, highlighting a critical issue in patch management and support.

Entitlement Validation Delays Support

Broadcom has acknowledged the issue, attributing it to the challenges in validating the entitlements of customers who do not have active subscriptions. This validation process is causing significant delays in providing the necessary support and patches to these customers, putting their systems at risk.

“Validating entitlements for non-subscription holders is a complex process that is causing delays in support.” - Broadcom spokesperson¹

Implications for Cybersecurity

The inability to access timely security patches can have severe implications for cybersecurity. Organizations rely on these patches to protect against known vulnerabilities and emerging threats. Without access to these updates, VMware customers are at a higher risk of being targeted by cyber attacks, which can result in data breaches and other security incidents.

Future Steps and Recommendations

Broadcom is working on resolving the issue and has assured customers that they are committed to providing the necessary support. In the meantime, affected customers are advised to implement alternative security measures to mitigate risks. Regularly updating systems and employing robust security protocols can help minimize vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The current situation faced by some VMware customers underscores the importance of timely patch management in maintaining cybersecurity. As Broadcom works to address the issue, customers must remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their systems against potential threats. The resolution of this problem will be crucial in ensuring the security and stability of VMware environments.

For more details, visit the full article: The Register

References

1. “VMware prevents some perpetual license holders from downloading patches” (2025). “VMware prevents some perpetual license holders from downloading patches”. The Register. Retrieved 2025-07-23. ↩︎