How severe is CVE-2023-20871?

CVE-2023-20871 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-20871 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2023-20871?

CVE-2023-20871 affects Vmware Fusion. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2023-20871?

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-2023-20871 published?

CVE-2023-20871 was published on 2023-04-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-20871

CVE-2023-20871 is a high-severity vulnerability in Vmware Fusion with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-863.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (30th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-863
Affected product: Vmware Fusion
Published: 2023-04-25
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

VMware Fusion contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability. A malicious actor with read/write access to the host operating system can elevate privileges to gain root access to the host operating system.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-20871?: VMware Fusion contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability. A malicious actor with read/write access to the host operating system can elevate privileges to gain root access to the host operating system.
How severe is CVE-2023-20871?: CVE-2023-20871 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-20871 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-20871?: CVE-2023-20871 affects Vmware Fusion. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-20871?: 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-2023-20871 published?: CVE-2023-20871 was published on 2023-04-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2023-0008.html

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:vmware:fusion:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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