How severe is CVE-2009-3281?

CVE-2009-3281 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2009-3281 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (56th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-3281?

CVE-2009-3281 primarily affects Vmware Fusion. In total, 11 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-3281?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2009-3281 published?

CVE-2009-3281 was published on 2009-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-3281

CVE-2009-3281 is a high-severity vulnerability in Vmware Fusion with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (56th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Vmware Fusion
Published: 2009-10-16
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The vmx86 kernel extension in VMware Fusion before 2.0.6 build 196839 does not use correct file permissions, which allows host OS users to gain privileges on the host OS via unspecified vectors.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-3281?: The vmx86 kernel extension in VMware Fusion before 2.0.6 build 196839 does not use correct file permissions, which allows host OS users to gain privileges on the host OS via unspecified vectors.
How severe is CVE-2009-3281?: CVE-2009-3281 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2009-3281 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (56th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-3281?: CVE-2009-3281 primarily affects Vmware Fusion. In total, 11 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-3281?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2009-3281 published?: CVE-2009-3281 was published on 2009-10-16 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (11)

cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:1.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:1.1.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:1.1.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:1.1.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:2.0.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:2.0.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:2.0.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:2.0.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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