• VMware perpetual license patch download issue: Some VMware perpetual license holders can't download security patches currently. VMware only said these users will get patches later, making them uncertain about the risk duration. Since Broadcom bought VMware and ended perpetual license sales in favor of bundled subscriptions, some orgs haven't subscribed and are running VMware without a support contract. These users should have access to zero-day patches but some reported unable to download from Broadcom's support portal. VMware customer service told some to wait 90 days. On July 15, VMware disclosed three critical flaws in eight offerings. A Broadcom spokesperson said nothing changed in their commitment to critical VMware security patches. VMware's rep said affected customers will get patches later via a separate cycle but didn't specify when, and Broadcom declined to specify the number of affected users. Broadcom said delayed patches are due to portal limitations and sent audit letters to perpetual license holders.
• Broadcom's VMware acquisition scrutiny: The delay of security patches for perpetual license owners comes as CISPE filed an appeal to the European General Court challenging the EC's approval of Broadcom's VMware acquisition. CISPE argues the EC didn't enact regulations to prevent dominance concentration or mitigate potential abuse. Others were critical of the EC's investigation before, which mainly focused on Broadcom's potential to restrict competition by making third-party hardware incompatible. CISPE pointed to Broadcom's actions like unilaterally terminating contracts and imposing new licensing conditions after the acquisition, and axing smaller cloud partners as examples of unfair software licensing practices. A Broadcom spokesperson denied the allegations and said the acquisition was approved after a thorough review and they will uphold commitments. A reversal of the $61 billion acquisition is unlikely but CISPE could pressure Broadcom to offer better terms. The European General Court is expected to hold a hearing.