Loading vulnerability…
A format string vulnerability exists in VMware OVF Tool 2.1 on Windows, as used in VMware Workstation 8.x before 8.0.5, VMware Player 4.x before 4.0.5, and other products. The vulnerability allows user-assisted remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by enticing a user to load a specially crafted OVF file. The vulnerable function improperly handles format string input from OVF files, leading to potential code execution.
Mallory correlates every CVE against your assets, your vendors, and active adversary campaigns. Know which vulnerabilities matter for you, not just which ones are loud.
What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.
What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.
If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.
Patch, then assume compromise.
2 valid exploits after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos.
This repository contains a single Metasploit module (Ruby file) that exploits a format string vulnerability (CVE-2012-3569) in VMWare OVF Tools 2.1 for Windows. The exploit works by generating a specially crafted OVF (Open Virtualization Format) file ('msf.ovf') that, when opened by the vulnerable version of OVF Tools, triggers the vulnerability and executes arbitrary code (shellcode) embedded in the file. The module allows the user to specify the output filename and constructs the malicious OVF XML structure, including a reference to a VMDK file. The attack vector is local, requiring the victim to open the malicious file. The payload is customizable via Metasploit and is delivered as part of the OVF file. The repository is structured as a single Ruby file compatible with the Metasploit framework, and all exploit logic is contained within this file.
This repository contains a single Metasploit module (ovftool_format_string.rb) that exploits a format string vulnerability (CVE-2012-3569) in VMWare OVF Tools 2.1 for Windows. The exploit works by serving a maliciously crafted OVF (Open Virtualization Format) XML file via an HTTP server. When a vulnerable version of OVF Tool is used to open the file (typically by a user or automated process), the format string vulnerability is triggered, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The module is configurable with standard Metasploit payloads, enabling a range of post-exploitation actions. The exploit targets Windows XP SP3 with VMWare OVF Tools 2.1 installed. The main attack vector is network-based, requiring the victim to access the attacker's HTTP server. The repository structure is typical for a Metasploit module, with all logic contained in a single Ruby file implementing the exploit.
Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.
Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.
No public activity tracked yet. Mallory keeps watching.
No public activity observed for this vulnerability.
Query your assets running an affected version, and investigate the blast radius.
Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.
Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.
YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.
Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.