CVE-2017-3538 : Security Advisory and Response

Oracle VM VirtualBox prior to versions 5.0.34 and 5.1.16 is affected by a vulnerability in the Shared Folder subcomponent. This vulnerability, with a CVSS 3.0 Base Score of 7.5, can lead to unauthorized access and data compromise.

Understanding CVE-2017-3538

This CVE affects Oracle VM VirtualBox versions prior to 5.0.34 and 5.1.16, impacting the Shared Folder subcomponent.

What is CVE-2017-3538?

The vulnerability in Oracle VM VirtualBox allows a low privileged attacker to compromise the system, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and modification.

The Impact of CVE-2017-3538

Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized creation, deletion, or modification of critical data accessible through Oracle VM VirtualBox.
It can grant unauthorized access to critical data or provide complete access to all data within the system.
The CVSS 3.0 Base Score is 7.5, with impacts on confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-3538

Oracle VM VirtualBox is vulnerable to unauthorized access and compromise due to the Shared Folder subcomponent.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a low privileged attacker to compromise Oracle VM VirtualBox, potentially impacting additional products.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Oracle VM VirtualBox
Vendor: Oracle Corporation
Versions Affected: < 5.0.34, < 5.1.16

Exploitation Mechanism

Difficulty: Difficult to exploit
Attack Vector: Local
Attack Complexity: High
Privileges Required: Low
User Interaction: None
Scope: Changed
Impact: High
CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2017-3538.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Oracle VM VirtualBox to versions 5.0.34 or 5.1.16 to eliminate the vulnerability.
Restrict access to the infrastructure where Oracle VM VirtualBox is running.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit access to critical data.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Oracle to address the vulnerability in Oracle VM VirtualBox.