CVE-2008-3431
HighExploitedPublic exploitThe VBoxDrvNtDeviceControl function in VBoxDrv.sys in Sun xVM VirtualBox before 1.6.4 uses the METHOD_NEITHER communication method for IOCTLs and does not properly validate a buffer associated with the Irp object, which allows local users to gain privileges by opening the…
Published Aug 5, 2008 · Updated Apr 22, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2008-3431 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8 v3.1) affecting Virtualbox (Oracle).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 11, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 6.9% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Virtualbox 1.6.4.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
6.9%
Higher than 93.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2008-3431 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
The VBoxDrvNtDeviceControl function in VBoxDrv.sys in Sun xVM VirtualBox before 1.6.4 uses the METHOD_NEITHER communication method for IOCTLs and does not properly validate a buffer associated with the Irp object, which allows local users to gain privileges by opening the \\.\VBoxDrv device and calling DeviceIoControl to send a crafted kernel address.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Feb 11, 2021 | Mar 24, 2022 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Mar 3, 2022 | Mar 24, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Mar 3, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| VirtualboxOracle | See advisory | 1.6.4 |
Patched Releases
Virtualbox
1.6.4
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 5, 2008
Added to Industry KEV feed
Feb 11, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Mar 3, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Mar 3, 2022
Last updated
Apr 22, 2026
References
- advisory31361
- advisory1020625
- advisorysun-xvmvirtualbox-privilege-escalation(44202)
- advisory20080804 CORE-2008-0716 - Sun xVM VirtualBox Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
The VBoxDrvNtDeviceControl function in VBoxDrv.sys in Sun xVM VirtualBox before 1.6.4 uses the METHOD_NEITHER communication method for IOCTLs and does not properly validate a buffer associated with the Irp object, which allows local users to gain privileges by opening the \\.\VBoxDrv device and calling DeviceIoControl…
Affected: Virtualbox (Oracle). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Feb 11, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Mar 3, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Mar 24, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Virtualbox 1.6.4.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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