CVE-2023-3494

bhyve privileged guest escape via fwctl

Description

The fwctl driver implements a state machine which is executed when a bhyve guest accesses certain x86 I/O ports. The interface lets the guest copy a string into a buffer resident in the bhyve process' memory. A bug in the state machine implementation can result in a buffer overflowing when copying this string. Malicious, privileged software running in a guest VM can exploit the buffer overflow to achieve code execution on the host in the bhyve userspace process, which typically runs as root, mitigated by the capabilities assigned through the Capsicum sandbox available to the bhyve process.

Category

8.8
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
EPSS 0.11%
Vendor Advisory FreeBSD.org
Affected: FreeBSD FreeBSD
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2023-3494?
CVE-2023-3494 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2023-3494?
To fix CVE-2023-3494, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2023-3494 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2023-3494 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2023-3494?
CVE-2023-3494 affects FreeBSD FreeBSD.
This platform uses data from the NIST NVD, MITRE CVE, MITRE CWE, First.org and CISA KEV but is not endorsed or certified by these entities. CVE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CVE content is MITRE's CVE web site. CWE is a registred trademark of the MITRE Corporation and the authoritative source of CWE content is MITRE's CWE web site.
© 2025 Under My Watch. All Rights Reserved.