VMware has patched a critical directory traversal vulnerability in its View VMWare desktop virtualization platform that could allow a hacker to access arbitrary files from affected View Servers.

The vulnerability affects both the View Connection Server and the View Security Server. The vulnerability was discovered by Digital Defense, a security service provider.

According to VMware advisory, the affected versions are View 5.x prior to 5.1.2 and 4.x prior to 4.6.2. Users are advised to upgrade to the latest version.

Users who are unable to immediately update their View Servers are advised to "Disable security server" or "blocking directory traversal attacks with an intrusion detection/prevention system or an application firewall".