VirtualBox HMR3 Fix & ICS Cyber Alert
In this edition of Windows Forum News, we explore two pressing topics that affect both everyday Windows users and IT professionals alike. First up, we dive into a VirtualBox hiccup that has been frustrating many users—the notorious HMR3Init error—and provide detailed steps to resolve it. Then, we switch gears to an important cybersecurity alert involving industrial control systems, where a CISA advisory highlights critical vulnerabilities in Hitachi Energy products. Read on for a deep-dive into both issues, complete with background, fixes, and expert insights.Troubleshooting VirtualBox HMR3Init Errors
The Issue in Focus
VirtualBox errors like:HM: HMR3Init: Attempting fall back to NEM: VT-x is not availableare indicative of conflicts in hardware virtualization. In many cases, the culprit is Hyper-V—Microsoft’s native hypervisor—which reserves VT-x (or AMD-V) exclusively for itself, leaving VirtualBox struggling to harness the necessary hardware support. Interestingly, even Windows 11 Home users (where Hyper-V isn’t typically enabled) have reported encountering this error, suggesting additional factors may also be at play.
Why Does This Happen?
Both VirtualBox and Hyper-V require direct access to your processor’s virtualization features. When Hyper-V (a Type 1 hypervisor) runs, it “grabs” VT-x or AMD-V, depriving VirtualBox (a Type 2 hypervisor) of direct hardware access. This resource allocation clash forces VirtualBox to attempt a fallback—often unsuccessfully—resulting in the error message.Remedies to Resolve the HMR3Init Error
If you’re encountering this issue, here are several proven methods to restore harmony between VirtualBox and your hardware:1. Turn Off Hyper-V
Since running Hyper-V and VirtualBox simultaneously can lead to conflicts, disabling Hyper-V is often the simplest fix. Follow these steps:- Using Command Prompt:
Open a Command Prompt with administrator privileges and type:
bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off - Through Windows Features:
Open the Control Panel, navigate to Programs > Programs and Features, then select Turn Windows features on or off.
Uncheck both Windows Hypervisor Platform and Hyper-V, then click OK and reboot your computer.
2. Enable Hardware Virtualization in BIOS/UEFI
Sometimes the issue may not be with conflicting hypervisors but a disabled virtualization feature in your system’s BIOS/UEFI settings. To enable it:- Restart your Computer:
Boot into your BIOS/UEFI by pressing the appropriate key during startup (commonly F2, F10, or Delete). - Locate the Virtualization Setting:
Search for a setting labeled “Intel VT-x,” “AMD-V,” or “Virtualization Technology” and set it to Enabled. - Save and Exit:
Confirm the changes, reboot the computer, and then check VirtualBox once more.
3. Make VirtualBox Compatible with Hyper-V
If you must keep Hyper-V enabled—for instance, due to organizational requirements—you can configure VirtualBox to use Hyper-V as its backend. This experimental approach enables a hybrid virtualization mode:- Adjust VirtualBox Settings:
Right-click your virtual machine in VirtualBox and select Settings.
Navigate to System > Acceleration, then change the Paravirtualization Interface to Hyper-V. - Toggle Hyper-V On/Off Quickly:
If further troubleshooting is needed, you can use the following commands: - To disable Hyper-V:
bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off - To enable Hyper-V:
bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype auto
4. Disable Windows Memory Integrity
Memory Integrity (also known as Hypervisor-protected Code Integrity or HVCI) is a security feature in Windows designed to protect core system processes. However, it may conflict with VirtualBox’s operation:- Disable Memory Integrity:
Open Windows Security from the Start menu, go to Device Security, and then click on Core Isolation Details.
Turn off Memory Integrity and reboot your computer.
5. Reset BIOS to Default Settings
If none of the above solutions do the trick, consider resetting your BIOS settings to their factory defaults. This can resolve configuration issues that may be interfering with hardware virtualization.Wrapping Up VirtualBox Troubleshooting
By methodically disabling Hyper-V, ensuring hardware virtualization is enabled in BIOS, and adjusting VirtualBox settings, many users have successfully resolved the HMR3Init error. For IT professionals and enthusiasts, these steps not only restore VirtualBox’s functionality but also underscore the fine balancing act between performance and security in virtualization environments.Cybersecurity Advisory: Mitigating Industrial Control System Vulnerabilities
An Urgent Alert from CISA
In another critical development affecting our broader IT landscape, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has issued a cybersecurity advisory targeting vulnerabilities in Hitachi Energy’s industrial control products, including the PCU400 and PCULogger devices. These vulnerabilities, which affect a range of component versions, present a serious risk by potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data, trigger system crashes, or launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks.Understanding the Vulnerabilities
The advisory details several high-severity flaws, including:- Type Confusion and NULL Pointer Dereference:
A vulnerability in X.400 address processing within X.509 certificates leads to improper memory access. This error can allow undesired memory reads, thereby triggering DoS conditions or exposing sensitive information. - Use-After-Free and Double Free Errors:
Faults in memory management related to ASN.1 data streaming and PEM file parsing can cause application crashes. Specifically, OpenSSL functions processing encrypted and PKCS7 data are affected. - Buffer Overruns:
An identified read buffer overrun in certificate verification routines could, in theory, enable attackers to disclose sensitive memory contents such as private keys.
Affected Products and Risk Evaluation
The vulnerabilities specifically impact the following product versions:- PCU400:
- Versions 6.5K and earlier
- Versions 9.4.1 and earlier
- PCULogger:
- Versions 1.1.0 and earlier
Mitigation Strategies
To help organizations mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerabilities, Hitachi Energy and CISA have issued several recommendations:- Software Updates:
- For PCU400 devices running IEC62351-3 secure for IEC104/DNP3, upgrade to version 6.6.0 or later (if running version 6.5K or below) or version 9.4.2 or later (if running version 9.4.1 or below).
- For PCULogger, update to version 1.2.0 once available.
- Network Segmentation and Firewall Configurations:
Industrial control systems should be isolated from the Internet and casual network traffic. Deploy firewalls with strict port controls, segment networks, and restrict direct access from untrusted devices. - Physical Security and Operational Practices:
Given that process control systems are often part of critical infrastructure, ensuring that these devices are physically secured and accessed only through controlled means is paramount. Avoid using portable devices for routine internet activities on systems connected to such networks. - Defensive Measures and Continuous Monitoring:
Organizations are encouraged to adopt proactive cybersecurity measures—including deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS) and regular vulnerability assessments—to quickly identify and remediate potential exploit scenarios.
Why This Matters for Windows Users
While the advisory specifically targets industrial control systems, Windows users operating within corporate or industrial environments may face similar challenges. Many industrial controllers run on Windows-based systems, meaning that vulnerabilities in underlying libraries like OpenSSL could have far-reaching implications. Organizations that rely on legacy systems or custom configurations must remain vigilant and update their cybersecurity protocols to reflect these emerging threats.The advisory is a stark reminder of the evolving threat landscape—where even specialized devices can harbor vulnerabilities that, if exploited, ripple through broader networks.
Conclusion
In summary, whether you’re troubleshooting VirtualBox errors or securing critical infrastructure, staying informed is the first step toward a secure and efficient computing environment.- For VirtualBox Users:
Addressing the HMR3Init error often involves a combination of disabling conflicting hypervisors like Hyper-V, enabling hardware virtualization in BIOS, and tweaking VirtualBox settings. This will ensure that your 64-bit virtual machines run without hiccups, keeping your Linux, Windows, or any other guest OS operating at peak performance. - For IT Security Practitioners and Industrial Operators:
The recent Cybersecurity Advisory from CISA underlines the importance of addressing vulnerabilities in industrial control systems, such as those affecting Hitachi Energy’s PCU400 and PCULogger devices. Updating firmware, enforcing network segmentation, and adhering to robust security protocols are non-negotiable steps in mitigating these risks.
Stay tuned for more updates and expert advice right here on Windows Forum.
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