CVE-2016-3643
HighExploitedPublic exploitSolarWinds Virtualization Manager 6.3.1 and earlier allow local users to gain privileges by leveraging a misconfiguration of sudo, as demonstrated by "sudo cat /etc/passwd."
Published Jun 17, 2016 · Updated Apr 21, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2016-3643 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8 v3.1) affecting Virtualization Manager (Solarwinds).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 3.7% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Virtualization Manager 6.3.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
3.7%
Higher than 89.5% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
SolarWinds Virtualization Manager 6.3.1 and earlier allow local users to gain privileges by leveraging a misconfiguration of sudo, as demonstrated by "sudo cat /etc/passwd."
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | May 3, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Virtualization ManagerSolarwinds | See advisory | 6.3.1 |
Patched Releases
Virtualization Manager
6.3.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jun 17, 2016
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Apr 21, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-264
References
- advisory20160615 CVE-2016-3643 - Misconfiguration of sudo in Solarwinds Virtualization Manager
- exploithttp://packetstormsecurity.com/files/137487/Solarwinds-Virtualization-Manager-6.3.1-Privilege-Escalation.html
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitExploitDB-39967
- exploit39967
FAQ
Common Questions.
SolarWinds Virtualization Manager 6.3.1 and earlier allow local users to gain privileges by leveraging a misconfiguration of sudo, as demonstrated by "sudo cat /etc/passwd."
Affected: Virtualization Manager (Solarwinds). 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 Nov 3, 2021.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of May 3, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Virtualization Manager 6.3.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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