Error: `error starting virtual machine: error: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library `

[ohshazbot]

Overview of the Issue

Attempting to build a vmware-iso cryptically fails at the StepRegister step

Reproduction Steps

Run the provided build

Plugin and Packer version

1.14.3

Simplified Packer Buildfile

  required_plugins {
    vmware = { 
      version = "~> 1"
      source = "github.com/hashicorp/vmware"
    }   
  }
}

source "vmware-iso" "ubuntu" {
  # Path to your Ubuntu ISO file
  iso_url = "https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04.3/ubuntu-24.04.3-live-server-amd64.iso"
  iso_checksum = "sha256:c3514bf0056180d09376462a7a1b4f213c1d6e8ea67fae5c25099c6fd3d8274b" # Pulled from https://releases.ubuntu.com/
  guest_os_type = "ubuntu64Guest"

  disk_size = 10240

  cpus = 1 
  memory = 2048
  #network = "bridged"
  #network_name = "bridge"
  format = "ova"

  # SSH credentials for post-installation configuration
  ssh_username = "user"
  ssh_password = "password" # TODO: replace with better secret
  ssh_timeout  = "10m"
  ssh_clear_authorized_keys = true

  # VM configuration
  headless          = true # Set to true for no GUI during build

}

# a build block invokes sources and runs provisioning steps on them. The
# documentation for build blocks can be found here:
# https://www.packer.io/docs/templates/hcl_templates/blocks/build
build {
  sources = ["source.vmware-iso.ubuntu"]

}

Operating system and Environment details

Ubuntu 24.04.3 with either kernel 6.14.0-28 or 6.14.0-36

Log Fragments and crash.log files

➜  vm-builder git:(dev) ✗ packer build -debug template.pkr.hcl
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [INFO] Packer version: 1.14.3 [go1.24.0 linux amd64]
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [INFO] PACKER_CONFIG env var not set; checking the default config file path
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [INFO] PACKER_CONFIG env var set; attempting to open config file: /home/john/.packerconfig
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [WARN] Config file doesn't exist: /home/john/.packerconfig
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [INFO] Setting cache directory: /home/john/.cache/packer
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [TRACE] listing potential installations for "github.com/hashicorp/vmware" that match "~> 1". plugingetter.ListInstallationsOptions{PluginDirectory:"/home/john/.config/packer/plugins", BinaryInstallationOptions:plugingetter.BinaryInstallationOptions{APIVersionMajor:"5", APIVersionMinor:"0", OS:"linux", ARCH:"amd64", Ext:"", Checksummers:[]plugingetter.Checksummer{plugingetter.Checksummer{Type:"sha256", Hash:(*sha256.Digest)(0xc00013a200)}}, ReleasesOnly:false}}
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [TRACE] Found the following "github.com/hashicorp/vmware" installations: [{/home/john/.config/packer/plugins/github.com/hashicorp/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 v1.2.0 x5.0}]
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [INFO] found external [iso vmx] builders from vmware plugin
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [TRACE] listing potential installations for <nil> that match "". plugingetter.ListInstallationsOptions{PluginDirectory:"/home/john/.config/packer/plugins", BinaryInstallationOptions:plugingetter.BinaryInstallationOptions{APIVersionMajor:"5", APIVersionMinor:"0", OS:"linux", ARCH:"amd64", Ext:"", Checksummers:[]plugingetter.Checksummer{plugingetter.Checksummer{Type:"sha256", Hash:(*sha256.Digest)(0xc0005d8300)}}, ReleasesOnly:false}}
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [INFO] found external [iso vmx] builders from vmware plugin
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [TRACE] Using protobuf for communication with plugins
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [INFO] Starting external plugin /home/john/.config/packer/plugins/github.com/hashicorp/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 start builder --protobuf iso
2025/12/08 18:24:42 Starting plugin: /home/john/.config/packer/plugins/github.com/hashicorp/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 []string{"/home/john/.config/packer/plugins/github.com/hashicorp/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64", "start", "builder", "--protobuf", "iso"}
2025/12/08 18:24:42 Waiting for RPC address for: /home/john/.config/packer/plugins/github.com/hashicorp/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64
2025/12/08 18:24:42 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:42 Plugin address: unix /tmp/packer-plugin2531761749
2025/12/08 18:24:42 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:42 Waiting for connection...
2025/12/08 18:24:42 Received unix RPC address for /home/john/.config/packer/plugins/github.com/hashicorp/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64: addr is /tmp/packer-plugin2531761749
2025/12/08 18:24:42 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:42 Serving a plugin connection...
2025/12/08 18:24:42 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:42 [TRACE] starting builder iso
2025/12/08 18:24:42 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:42 [DEBUG] - common: sending ConfigSpec as protobuf
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [DEBUG] - common: receiving ConfigSpec as protobuf
2025/12/08 18:24:42 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:42 [DEBUG] - common: sending ConfigSpec as protobuf
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [DEBUG] - common: receiving ConfigSpec as protobuf
will forcibly halt the virtual machine, which may result in data loss.

  on template.pkr.hcl line 10:
  (source code not available)

2025/12/08 18:24:42 Build debug mode: true
2025/12/08 18:24:42 Force build: false
2025/12/08 18:24:42 On error: 
Warning: A shutdown_command was not specified. Without a shutdown command, Packer
2025/12/08 18:24:42 Debug enabled, so waiting for build to finish: vmware-iso.ubuntu
2025/12/08 18:24:42 Starting build run: vmware-iso.ubuntu
2025/12/08 18:24:42 Running builder: vmware-iso
2025/12/08 18:24:42 [INFO] (telemetry) Starting builder vmware-iso.ubuntu
will forcibly halt the virtual machine, which may result in data loss.

  on template.pkr.hcl line 10:
  (source code not available)


Debug mode enabled. Builds will not be parallelized.
vmware-iso.ubuntu: output will be in this color.

2025/12/08 18:24:42 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:42 [INFO] Searching for VMware Workstation...
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 [INFO] VMware Workstation: 25.0.0
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 [INFO] - vmrun found at: /usr/bin/vmrun
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 [INFO] - vmware-vdiskmanager found at: /usr/bin/vmware-vdiskmanager
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 [INFO] - vmware found at: /usr/bin/vmware
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 [INFO] VMware Workstation: 25.0.0
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 [INFO] Skipping license check for version >= 17.6.2
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 Using driver *common.WorkstationDriver, Success: true
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 [INFO] Verifying that ovftool exists...
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 [INFO] Checking ovftool version...
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:43 [INFO] Returned ovftool version: VMware ovftool 5.0.0 (build-24927197)
2025/12/08 18:24:43 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: .
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepPrepareTools'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Retrieving ISO
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Trying https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04.3/ubuntu-24.04.3-live-server-amd64.iso
2025/12/08 18:24:44 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:44 Acquiring lock for: https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04.3/ubuntu-24.04.3-live-server-amd64.iso?checksum=sha256%3Ac3514bf0056180d09376462a7a1b4f213c1d6e8ea67fae5c25099c6fd3d8274b (/home/john/.cache/packer/73b4f11c1cb8dc57fb78ad9d7b5baf123159250e.iso.lock)
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Trying https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04.3/ubuntu-24.04.3-live-server-amd64.iso?checksum=sha256%3Ac3514bf0056180d09376462a7a1b4f213c1d6e8ea67fae5c25099c6fd3d8274b
2025/12/08 18:24:46 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:46 Leaving retrieve loop for ISO
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: https://releases.ubuntu.com/24.04.3/ubuntu-24.04.3-live-server-amd64.iso?checksum=sha256%3Ac3514bf0056180d09376462a7a1b4f213c1d6e8ea67fae5c25099c6fd3d8274b => /home/john/.cache/packer/73b4f11c1cb8dc57fb78ad9d7b5baf123159250e.iso

==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepDownload'. Press enter to continue. ==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Configuring output and export directories...
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepOutputDir'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Creating temporary RSA SSH key for instance...

2025/12/08 18:24:47 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:47 No floppy files specified. Floppy disk will not be made.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepSSHKeyGen'. Press enter to continue. ==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepCreateFloppy'. Press enter to continue. 
2025/12/08 18:24:48 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:48 No CD files specified. CD disk will not be made.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepCreateCD'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepRemoteUpload'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepRemoteUpload'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepRemoteUpload'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Creating virtual machine disks...
2025/12/08 18:24:50 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:50 [INFO] Creating disk with Path: output-ubuntu/disk.vmdk and Size: 10240M
2025/12/08 18:24:50 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:50 [INFO] Running: /usr/bin/vmware-vdiskmanager -c -s 10240M -a lsilogic -t 1 output-ubuntu/disk.vmdk
2025/12/08 18:24:50 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:50 stdout: Creating disk 'output-ubuntu/disk.vmdk'
2025/12/08 18:24:50 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: Virtual disk creation successful.
2025/12/08 18:24:50 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:50 stderr:
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepCreateDisks'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Generating the .vmx file...
2025/12/08 18:24:51 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:51 [INFO] A network mapper configuration file does not exist in the default path: /etc/vmware/netmap.conf
2025/12/08 18:24:51 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:51 [INFO] Checking alternate path for network mapper configuration file: /etc/vmware/networking
2025/12/08 18:24:51 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:51 [INFO] Located the network mapper configuration file: /etc/vmware/networking
2025/12/08 18:24:51 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:51 [INFO] Writing VMX to: output-ubuntu/packer-ubuntu.vmx
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'stepCreateVMX'. Press enter to continue. 
2025/12/08 18:24:51 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:51 [INFO] Configuring VMX...
2025/12/08 18:24:51 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:51 [INFO] Writing VMX to: output-ubuntu/packer-ubuntu.vmx
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepConfigureVMX'. Press enter to continue. 
2025/12/08 18:24:52 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:52 [INFO] Suppressing messages in VMX
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepSuppressMessages'. Press enter to continue. 
2025/12/08 18:24:52 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:52 [INFO] A network mapper configuration file does not exist in the default path: /etc/vmware/netmap.conf
2025/12/08 18:24:52 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:52 [INFO] Checking alternate path for network mapper configuration file: /etc/vmware/networking
2025/12/08 18:24:52 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:52 [INFO] Located the network mapper configuration file: /etc/vmware/networking
2025/12/08 18:24:52 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:52 [INFO] HostIP discovered device matching nat: vmnet8
2025/12/08 18:24:52 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:52 [INFO] Host IP for the virtual machine: 172.16.177.1
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepHTTPIPDiscover'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepHTTPServer'. Press enter to continue. 
2025/12/08 18:24:53 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:53 [INFO] Looking for available port between 5900 and 6000
2025/12/08 18:24:53 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:53 Found available port: 5958 on IP: 127.0.0.1
2025/12/08 18:24:53 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:53 [INFO] Found available VNC port: 127.0.0.1:5958
2025/12/08 18:24:53 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:53 [INFO] Writing VMX to: output-ubuntu/packer-ubuntu.vmx
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepConfigureVNC'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing after run of step 'StepRegister'. Press enter to continue. 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Powering on virtual machine...
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: To view the virtual machine console, connect using VNC:
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Endpoint: "vnc://127.0.0.1:5958"
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Password: "0yTbWrG1"
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: The virtual machine will be run headless, without a GUI.
2025/12/08 18:24:54 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:54 [INFO] Running: /usr/bin/vmrun -T ws start output-ubuntu/packer-ubuntu.vmx nogui
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: To view the virtual machine console, connect using VNC:
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: 
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Endpoint: "vnc://127.0.0.1:5958"
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Password: "0yTbWrG1"
2025/12/08 18:24:55 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:55 stdout: Error: The operation was canceled
2025/12/08 18:24:55 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:55 stderr: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library.
2025/12/08 18:24:55 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: error starting virtual machine: error: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Waiting 4.349823736s for clean up...
2025/12/08 18:24:59 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:59 [INFO] Running: /usr/bin/vmrun -T ws list
2025/12/08 18:25:00 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:00 stdout: Total running VMs: 0
2025/12/08 18:25:00 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:00 stderr: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library.
2025/12/08 18:25:00 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Pausing before cleanup of step 'StepRegister'. Press enter to continue. 
Cancelling build after receiving interrupt
2025/12/08 18:25:21 Cancelling builder after context cancellation context canceled
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Received interrupt signal (count: 1). Ignoring.
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 failed to unlock port lockfile: close tcp 127.0.0.1:5958: use of closed network connection
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: Deleting output directory...
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:25:21 Error asking for input: interrupted
2025/12/08 18:25:21 [INFO] (telemetry) ending vmware-iso.ubuntu
An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.
2025/12/08 18:25:21 Waiting on builds to complete...
==> Wait completed after 38 seconds 763 milliseconds
2025/12/08 18:25:21 [INFO] (telemetry) Finalizing.
Build 'vmware-iso.ubuntu' errored after 38 seconds 763 milliseconds: error starting virtual machine: error: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library.
An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.

==> Wait completed after 38 seconds 763 milliseconds
Cleanly cancelled builds after being interrupted.
2025/12/08 18:25:21 waiting for all plugin processes to complete...
2025/12/08 18:25:21 /home/john/.config/packer/plugins/github.com/hashicorp/vmware/packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64: plugin process exited

Running the vmrun command directly for the constructed vmx does result in an exit code of 255 (but only log warnings about libaio). I am able to execute vmrun against other vmx files directly. There is an auspicious warning in syslog that may be related:
2025-12-08T18:25:23.520514-05:00 john-worktop tracker-miner-fs-3[52431]: (tracker-extract-3:52431): GLib-GIO-WARNING **: 18:25:23.519: Error creating IO channel for /proc/self/mountinfo: Invalid argument (g-io-error-quark, 13)

[tenthirtyam]

Can you test the same with this one example:

https://github.com/tenthirtyam/packer-vmware-desktop-ubuntu-daily

[tenthirtyam]

Potentially environmental but needs further investigation when capacity allows.

[tenthirtyam]

Can you address this issue and provide an update with additional PACKER_LOG output?

2025/12/08 18:24:55 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:55 stdout: Error: The operation was canceled
2025/12/08 18:24:55 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:55 stderr: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library.
2025/12/08 18:24:55 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: error starting virtual machine: error: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.

[tenthirtyam]

Unlikely related to the plugin.

Reference:

• https://community.broadcom.com/vmware-cloud-foundation/question/virtual-network-editor-does-not-start-on-ubuntu-2404
• https://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2024/04/install-vmware-player-ubuntu/amp/

[ohshazbot]

Can you test the same with this one example:

https://github.com/tenthirtyam/packer-vmware-desktop-ubuntu-daily

Unable to run, I guess Workstation 25H2 doesn't have vmware-vmx

Unlikely related to the plugin.

Reference:

* https://community.broadcom.com/vmware-cloud-foundation/question/virtual-network-editor-does-not-start-on-ubuntu-2404

* https://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2024/04/install-vmware-player-ubuntu/amp/

Why do you say that? I'm able to run other VMs without issue. It's only the VMs being constructed via this extension that seem to have this issue

Can you address this issue and provide an update with additional PACKER_LOG output?

2025/12/08 18:24:55 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:55 stdout: Error: The operation was canceled
2025/12/08 18:24:55 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: 2025/12/08 18:24:55 stderr: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library.
2025/12/08 18:24:55 packer-plugin-vmware_v1.2.0_x5.0_linux_amd64 plugin: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: error starting virtual machine: error: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library.
==> vmware-iso.ubuntu: An up-to-date "libaio" or "libaio1" package from your system is preferred.

I am unable to, the message lacks clarity on what version is needed. As far as I'm concerned, given that vmware workstation 25H2 is blessed for Ubuntu 24.04.03 up to kernel 6.14.0-28, it should be working. And like the other comment, I am able to run other VMs in vmware workstation, so I do not believe it's as endemic as your making it out to me. The message, after all, is just a warning. It is not fatal

But if you just want to close out this ticket, be my guest, I've decided to move on from trying to get this project working.