CVE-2026-41709 Broadcom VMWare ESX Insufficient Logging Vulnerability
Broadcom VMWare ESX contains an insufficient logging vulnerability that could allow a malicious actor with admin access to perform certain operations without being logged.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 28 Oct 2026.
- Rated Low severity (CVSS 2.7, scored by Vendor).
What It Is
VMware ESX contains an insufficient logging vulnerability. A malicious administrator could exploit this issue to perform certain operations without them being logged.
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| VMware Cloud Foundation | 9.1.x.x 9.0.x.x 5.x to before 5.2.4 |
| VMware vSphere Foundation | 9.1.x.x 9.0.x.x |
| VMware ESX | 9.1.x.x to before ESXi-9.1.0.0-25370933 9.0.x.x to before ESXi-9.0.2.0100-25595025 8.0 to before ESXi80U3j-25429389 |
| VMware Telco Cloud Platform | 5.1.x 5.0.x |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Broadcom VMware ESX. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
Fix it
Apply mitigations in accordance with vendor instructions, ensuring compliance with CISA’s BOD 26-04 Prioritizing Security Updates Based on Risk (see URL in Notes) guidance and CISA’s “Forensics Triage Requirements” (see URL in Notes). Follow applicable BOD 26-04 guidance for cloud services or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Stakeholders are responsible for evaluating each asset's internet exposure and ensuring adherence to BOD 26-04 patching guidelines.
Vulnerability Management - 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2026-41709 and every other exploited flaw on the list.
