Error: error starting virtual machine: error: [AppLoader] Use shipped Linux kernel AIO access library #398
Description
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)