VMSA-2025-0016, which addresses multiple vulnerabilities in VMware vCenter, NSX including CVE-2025-41250, CVE-2025-41251, CVE-2025-41252.
Published: September 30, 2025
Broadcom has issued a new VMware Security Advisory (VMSA-2025-0016) addressing multiple high-severity vulnerabilities in VMware vCenter Server, NSX, Cloud Foundation, and related platforms. These flaws could allow attackers to exploit authentication weaknesses, manipulate system notifications, and enumerate usernames, potentially putting enterprise environments at risk.
The security fixes were released on September 29, 2025, and all VMware customers are strongly advised to apply the latest patches immediately.
What’s Affected?
The advisory highlights issues across several critical VMware products, widely deployed in data centers, hybrid cloud, and telecom infrastructure. Impacted products include:
- VMware vCenter Server (7.x, 8.x, 9.x)
- VMware NSX and NSX-T (versions 3.x – 9.x)
- VMware Cloud Foundation (versions 4.x, 5.x, 9.x)
- VMware Telco Cloud Platform
- VMware Telco Cloud Infrastructure
Since these platforms are essential to enterprise IT and cloud-native networking, unpatched systems could become a major target for attackers around the world.
Key Vulnerabilities Fixed
Broadcom confirmed three vulnerabilities, all rated as Important with CVSS base scores between 7.5 and 8.5 (High).
1. CVE-2025-41250 – vCenter SMTP Header Injection (CVSS 8.5)
- Description: Attackers with non-admin access could manipulate scheduled task notification emails via SMTP header injection.
- Risk: Could allow malicious users to alter system communications and potentially redirect sensitive data.
- Fix: Upgrade to vCenter 8.0 U3g, 7.0 U3w, or higher versions in Cloud Foundation 5.2.2 / 9.0.1.0.
2. CVE-2025-41251 – NSX Weak Password Recovery (CVSS 8.1)
- Description: A weak recovery mechanism could let unauthenticated attackers enumerate usernames and launch brute-force attacks.
- Risk: Increases the likelihood of credential compromise and unauthorized system access.
- Fix: Update NSX to 9.0.1.0, 4.2.3.1, 4.2.2.2, or 4.1.2.7 depending on your deployment.
3. CVE-2025-41252 – NSX Username Enumeration (CVSS 7.5)
- Description: Another flaw in NSX allows attackers to enumerate valid usernames without authentication.
- Risk: Could assist attackers in gathering intelligence for targeted attacks.
- Fix: Apply the latest NSX releases (same as CVE-2025-41251).
Why This Matters
VMware vCenter and NSX are mission-critical components for virtualization, security, and cloud networking. If left unpatched:
- Attackers could gain unauthorized access to vCenter or NSX systems.
- Enterprises may face data exfiltration, downtime, or compliance violations.
- Cloud service providers and telecom networks could become prime cyberattack targets.
With the world’s dependence on VMware infrastructure in finance, healthcare, government, and telecom, the need to patch is critical.
How to Stay Protected
Broadcom recommends the following immediate steps:
1. Patch Without Delay – Upgrade to the fixed versions listed in the advisory.
- vCenter: 8.0 U3g Release Notes
- NSX: 4.2.3.1 Release Notes
2. Check Your Cloud Foundation – Follow Broadcom’s async patching guide (KB88287) for Cloud Foundation environments.
3. Harden Security Practices –
- Restrict access to scheduled tasks in vCenter.
- Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Monitor logs for suspicious username enumeration attempts.
Check the Response Matrix in below Broadcom Advisory link.
Global Impact & Industry Response
The vulnerabilities were reported by independent researchers and the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). This highlights their importance in global cybersecurity.
Since many businesses, telecom networks, and government IT use VMware, security teams everywhere should prioritize these updates. This will help reduce attack surfaces and prevent exploitation.
Areas with high VMware use, like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, are particularly at risk. Therefore, quick patch deployment is essential.
Final Thoughts
This advisory, VMSA-2025-0016, is another reminder that VMware products are high-value targets for attackers. While Broadcom has acted to release patches, the real protection depends on how fast enterprises apply them.
If you’re running VMware vCenter, NSX, or Cloud Foundation, review the official Broadcom advisory here and patch your systems now.
Staying patched, monitored, and security-hardened is the best way to protect critical workloads in today’s evolving threat landscape.
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