CompTIA PenTest+ Practice Test

What type of attack allows malware within a virtual machine to interact with the hypervisor or host kernel?

1. SQL Injection

2. VM Escape

3. Directory Traversal

4. Code Injection

The correct answer is: VM Escape

VM Escape is a specific type of attack where malware running inside a virtual machine (VM) can interact with the hypervisor or the host operating system kernel. This is significant because virtual machines are designed to provide an isolated environment for running applications, and the hypervisor is supposed to manage resources and maintain that isolation. When an attacker successfully executes a VM Escape attack, they can potentially gain access to sensitive data, evade security controls, or even control the host system, which puts all VMs and their data at risk. Understanding VM Escape is crucial for penetration testers and security professionals, as it underscores the importance of securing virtual environments. It highlights the potential vulnerabilities that may exist if appropriate security measures are not implemented, such as ensuring the hypervisor is up-to-date, applying the principle of least privilege, and regularly monitoring virtualized environments for unusual activity. The other options, while relevant within cybersecurity, do not facilitate the interaction between malware in a virtual machine and the host system in the same way. SQL Injection pertains to database vulnerabilities, Directory Traversal focuses on unauthorized file system access, and Code Injection involves running arbitrary code, but none of these directly involve escaping from a virtual machine to compromise the host.