Build number mismatch during installation and boot of ESXi 8.0 Update 3k

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

When installing or booting an ESXi host with the ESXi 8.0 Update 3k (Build 25595708), the following behaviors are observed:

• The ESXi Installer displays the build number as 25429389 (which corresponds to ESXi 8.0 Update 3j).
• During the initial boot process and subsequent reboots, the console screen may still reflect the older build number (25429389).
• Once the host is fully booted and operational, the DCUI, ESXi Shell (vmware -v), and vSphere Client correctly report the updated build number 25595708 (ESXi 8.0 Update 3k).

Environment

ESXi 8.0 Update 3k

Cause

This behavior is intentional for the ESXi 8.0 Update 3k release.

Unlike previous security-only rollups (such as U3sj, U3si, or U3sh) where most core VIBs were re-stamped, ESXi 8.0 U3k is a targeted security rollup. In this release:

• Only core security components such as esx-base and esxio-base were updated to version 0.102.25595708.
• Infrastructure VIBs used during installation and early boot, specifically esx-update and loadesx, were carried forward from the 8.0 U3j release (0.100.25429389) without being re-stamped.

Because the installer and the early boot loader read version information from these non-updated VIBs, they display the legacy build number.

Resolution

This is a cosmetic discrepancy and does not impact the functionality, security posture, or integrity of the ESXi host. No action is required if the running host reports the correct build.

To verify that the patch has been applied successfully:

1. Log in to the vSphere Client and check the host Summary tab for Build 25595708.
2. Alternatively, access the ESXi Shell or SSH and run the following command:
   vmware -v
3. The output should confirm: VMware ESXi 8.0.3 build-25595708

Additional Information

Refer to the ESXi 8.0 Update 3k Release Notes:

VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3k Release Notes