CVE-2016-3643

Name: CVE-2016-3643
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2016-06-17T15:59:02.257+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.8/10Actively ExploitedEPSS 3.70%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2016-3643 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.8/10 on the CVSS scale. 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.". CISA has confirmed active exploitation in the wild. EPSS estimates a 3.70% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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."

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.8/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

3.70%

88.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Exploitation Status

This vulnerability is listed in CISA’s Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. Federal agencies must remediate by May 3, 2022.

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-264

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Solarwinds	Virtualization Manager	<= 6.3.1

References

http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/137487/Solarwinds-Virtualization-Manager-6.3.1-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2016/Jun/26Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39967/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/137487/Solarwinds-Virtualization-Manager-6.3.1-Privilege-Escalation.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2016/Jun/26Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39967/Exploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2016-3643US Government Resource

Timeline

Published: Jun 17, 2016
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2016-3643?

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."

How severe is CVE-2016-3643?

CVE-2016-3643 has a CVSS score of 7.8/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 3.70% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. This vulnerability is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

How do I fix CVE-2016-3643?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

How Strix Helps

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Source: NVD / NIST