CVE-2017-3561

HIGH

Oracle VM VirtualBox <5.0.38-5.1.20 - RCE

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2017-3561. PoCs published by Google Security Research.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This exploit combines two issues in VirtualBox to achieve kernel code execution. It leverages a setuid binary to gain access to /dev/vboxdrv and then uses an ioctl to corrupt kernel memory via a race condition.

Description

Vulnerability in the Oracle VM VirtualBox component of Oracle Virtualization (subcomponent: Core). Supported versions that are affected are Prior to 5.0.38 and Prior to 5.1.20. Easily "exploitable" vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with logon to the infrastructure where Oracle VM VirtualBox executes to compromise Oracle VM VirtualBox. While the vulnerability is in Oracle VM VirtualBox, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of Oracle VM VirtualBox. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 8.8 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).

Exploits (1)

exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Google Security Research · textdosmultiple
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41905

This exploit combines two issues in VirtualBox to achieve kernel code execution. It leverages a setuid binary to gain access to /dev/vboxdrv and then uses an ioctl to corrupt kernel memory via a race condition.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Racy
Target: Oracle VirtualBox (versions prior to fix for CVE-2017-3561)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: VirtualBox installed on Linux host · At least one VM running · Access to the host system
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (4)

Core 4
Core References
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry exploit x_refsource_exploit-db
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/41905/
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_sectrack
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1038288
Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry x_refsource_bid
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97730

Scores

CVSS v3 8.8
EPSS 0.0154
EPSS Percentile 71.7%
Attack Vector LOCAL
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation none
Automatable no
Technical Impact total

Details

Status published
Products (3)
oracle/vm_virtualbox 5.0.0 - 5.0.38
Oracle Corporation/Oracle VM VirtualBox unspecified - 5.0.38
Oracle Corporation/Oracle VM VirtualBox unspecified - 5.1.20
Published Apr 24, 2017
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026