CVE-2018-2836 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Oracle VM VirtualBox prior to versions 5.1.36 and 5.2.10 has a vulnerability in its Core that can be exploited by a low privileged attacker. Successful attacks may lead to a complete takeover of the system.

Understanding CVE-2018-2836

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Oracle VM VirtualBox that can have severe consequences if exploited.

What is CVE-2018-2836?

The vulnerability in Oracle VM VirtualBox allows a low privileged attacker to compromise the system, potentially leading to a complete takeover. It requires human interaction from someone other than the attacker to succeed.

The Impact of CVE-2018-2836

Successful exploitation can result in the complete takeover of Oracle VM VirtualBox.
The CVSS 3.0 Base Score for this vulnerability is 8.2, indicating significant impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-2836

Oracle VM VirtualBox is affected by this vulnerability in its Core component.

Vulnerability Description

Easily exploitable vulnerability that allows a low privileged attacker to compromise Oracle VM VirtualBox.
Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected versions are prior to 5.1.36 and prior to 5.2.10.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with logon access to the infrastructure where Oracle VM VirtualBox runs can exploit the vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take:

Update Oracle VM VirtualBox to versions 5.1.36 or 5.2.10 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to the infrastructure hosting Oracle VM VirtualBox. Long-Term Security Practices:
Regularly update and patch Oracle VM VirtualBox to address security vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe computing practices to prevent unauthorized access.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Employ intrusion detection systems to identify suspicious activities.
Backup critical data to prevent data loss in case of a successful attack.