Ransomware gangs are actively exploiting the VMware ESXi flaw CVE-2025-22225, which allows attackers to escape the VMX sandbox. Researchers found evidence of a toolkit used in these attacks, indicating that the vulnerabilities were known to the threat actors long before their public disclosure. CISA has confirmed the flaw's involvement in ongoing ransomware incidents.

Chinese-speaking hackers used a compromised SonicWall VPN to access VMware ESXi systems, exploiting three zero-day vulnerabilities for potential ransomware attacks. Cybersecurity firm Huntress intervened before the attack could escalate, revealing a sophisticated toolkit that enables virtual machine escapes and backdoor access.