How do I use PowerCLI to determine the exact Linux kernel version of a VM?

[chrischrischris]

Hi all,

How do I use PowerCLI to determine the exact Linux kernel version of a VM?

Thanks in advance!

-Chris

[LucD · Accepted solution]

Do you have VMware Tools running in those VMs?

If yes, the Guest property will contain an indication if it is a Windows or Linux guest OS.

Based on that you can send a PowerShell or a Bash script to retrieve the exact guest OS version.

[chrischrischris]

Thanks Luc!

Is there any way to execute commands through VMware Tools for those VMs that I do not have a valid login for?

Interestingly, I'm gathering this info for our security team!

[LucD]

Not afaik, you will have to provide GuestCredential on the Invoke-VMScript cmdlet.

Or call the Invoke-VMScript with an account that also has rights inside the guest OS.

If you don't, this for example

Get-VM MyVM | Invoke-VMScript -ScriptType Bash -ScriptText "uname -a"

will fail with this type of error

[chrischrischris]

Thanks Luc!!