How severe is CVE-2023-20855?

CVE-2023-20855 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-20855 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (66th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-20855?

CVE-2023-20855 primarily affects Vmware Vrealize Automation. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-20855?

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-2023-20855 published?

CVE-2023-20855 was published on 2023-02-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-20855

CVE-2023-20855 is a high-severity vulnerability in Vmware Vrealize Automation with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. 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-611.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (66th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-611
Affected product: Vmware Vrealize Automation
Published: 2023-02-22
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

VMware vRealize Orchestrator contains an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability. A malicious actor, with non-administrative access to vRealize Orchestrator, may be able to use specially crafted input to bypass XML parsing restrictions leading to access to sensitive information or possible escalation of privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-20855?: VMware vRealize Orchestrator contains an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability. A malicious actor, with non-administrative access to vRealize Orchestrator, may be able to use specially crafted input to bypass XML parsing restrictions leading to access to sensitive information or possible escalation of privileges.
How severe is CVE-2023-20855?: CVE-2023-20855 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-20855 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (66th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-20855?: CVE-2023-20855 primarily affects Vmware Vrealize Automation. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-20855?: 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-2023-20855 published?: CVE-2023-20855 was published on 2023-02-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2023-0005.html

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:vmware:vrealize_automation:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:vmware:vrealize_orchestrator:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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