VMware Workstation and Workstation Player get a patch for vulnerability (CVE-2023-34044). Furthermore, new security improvements have also been integrated. This is version 17.5 which provides an improved encryption scheme (XTS instead of CBC) for maximum protection with reduced performance overhead.
Following VMware Workstation Pro and Player 17.5 installation, upon initiating a virtual machine, you may encounter a pop-up alerting you to the use of an outdated encryption method. This prompt will give you the option to proceed with an upgrade or decline it. Let’s see what’s new in this version:
VMware Workstation Pro and Player 17.5 changes, improvements, and bug fixes
Here is the changelog:
- You have the capability to manage virtual machines through the VMRUN command line tool within Workstation. You can employ commands to execute a range of operations within the guest system, including actions like powering on and off, taking snapshots for data backup, overseeing network adapters, running executable programs, handling files and directories, and managing active processes in the operating system.
- Now, it’s possible to import or export a virtual machine that has an active vTPM device using the OVF tool. You have the option to export a virtual machine containing a vTPM device to an OVF file, and subsequently utilize this OVF file to import the virtual machine along with the vTPM.
- You now have the ability to use the VMREST API service to power on/off, hibernate, pause, unpause, or retrieve the status of an encrypted virtual machine.
- The VNC client does not display the cursor when remotely controlling a virtual machine.
- Using VMRUN, it is not possible to initiate an encrypted virtual machine.
- A Windows host with DHCP configured may experience difficulties in establishing a Wireless Bridge connection. See: How to Fix DHCP Not Enabled in Windows 10.
- With the “Save Password” feature enabled, accessing an encrypted virtual machine is not possible.
- It is not possible to downgrade the hardware compatibility of a virtual machine.
- The virtual machine experiences a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) when USB is enabled.
- The Linux-based guest operating system exhibits a slow boot time with the default RAM and CPU settings for the virtual machine.
- It is not possible to decrypt or re-encrypt a virtual machine after altering the disk partition value.
- Additionally, post-installation, when initiating a virtual machine, a prompt may surface, notifying that an outdated encryption method is in use. It will offer the option to upgrade (or decline).
Download links:
1) Direct download Workstation: VMware-workstation-full-17.5.0-22583795.exe
2) Direct download Player: VMware-player-full-17.5.0-22583795.exe
3) Official download page Workstation: customerconnect.vmware.com/downloads
4) Official Download page Player: products/workstation-player
5) Release note for Workstation: docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Workstation-Pro/17.5/rn/vmware-workstation-175-pro-release-notes
6) Release note for Player: docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Workstation-Player/17.5/rn/vmware-workstation-175-player-release-notes
That’s all!!