Security Onion Access Issue: Unable to Access Web Interface from Windows Host Using NAT/Bridge and Mobile Hotspot

[Kemiura]

Version

2.4.120

Installation Method

Security Onion ISO image

Description

configuration

Installation Type

Eval

Location

on-prem with Internet access

Hardware Specs

Exceeds minimum requirements

CPU

4

RAM

12 GB

Storage for /

200 GB

Storage for /nsm

150 GB

Network Traffic Collection

other (please provide detail below)

Network Traffic Speeds

Less than 1Gbps

Status

Yes, all services on all nodes are running OK

Salt Status

Yes, there are salt failures (please provide detail below)

Logs

No, there are no additional clues

Detail

Hello,

I'm encountering network issues while attempting to install and configure Security Onion within VirtualBox on my Windows host. My objective is to access the Security Onion web management interface from my Windows host, but the network configuration doesn't seem to work as intended.

My setup is as follows:

• Operating System (Host): Windows 11 Pro, version 24H2, build 26100.3194.
• Network Adapters:
  • Ethernet: Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller.
  • Wi-Fi: MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 MT7921 Wireless LAN Card.
  • VirtualBox Adapter: VirtualBox Host-Only Ethernet Adapter.
• VirtualBox Version: 7.1.6
• Security Onion Version: 2.4.120
• VirtualBox Network Configuration:
  • Adapter 1 (Management and Internet Access):
    • Initially tested with NAT mode to provide Internet access via a smartphone hotspot.
    • Also tested with Bridge mode to connect directly to the host's physical network adapter, but neither configuration allowed access to the web management interface from the Windows host.
  • Adapter 2 (Traffic Monitoring): Configured in Host-Only mode, as this adapter is dedicated to monitoring traffic.

What I've done so far:

• Initially configured Adapter 1 with NAT and Bridge modes to provide Internet access and enable connectivity. However, accessing the Security Onion web management interface from the Windows host was not possible using either of these configurations.
• Configured Adapter 2 in Host-Only mode for traffic monitoring. This configuration is functional for its purpose but does not resolve the issue of accessing the management interface.
• Returned to the NAT configuration on Adapter 1 and set up port forwarding: Port 8443 on my host forwards to port 443 on the Security Onion virtual machine.
• Observed that the Windows host can successfully ping the IP address of Security Onion's management interface, but Security Onion is unable to ping the Ethernet network of the Windows host.
• As part of troubleshooting, applied the updated firewall rule using the command:

  sudo so-firewall includehost analyst <IP>

This explicitly allows the Windows host's IP in Security Onion's firewall settings.

Installed Ubuntu in VirtualBox and configured its network in Bridge mode, just like Adapter 1 of Security Onion. Using Chrome on Ubuntu, I accessed the web management interface of Security Onion by entering the management IP in the browser's address bar, and the connection was successful.

Router Consideration:

I'm trying to determine whether the absence of a dedicated router in this setup could be causing connectivity issues. Specifically:

• Could the lack of a router be limiting communication between the Windows host and the Security Onion virtual machine, despite the various network configurations attempted?

Specifically, I am trying to understand:

1. How does port forwarding interact with the NAT network in this scenario?
2. Is it possible to access the Security Onion management interface from my Windows host with this network configuration (NAT/Bridge)?
3. Do I need a dedicated router to make this setup functional?
4. Any assistance or insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Guidelines

• I have read the discussion guidelines at Read before posting! #1720 and assert that I have followed the guidelines.

[dougburks]

VirtualBox most likely creates separate virtual networks for NAT and Bridge each with their own IP range. For each of those virtual networks, VirtualBox should also create virtual network interfaces for your Windows OS. For each of those virtual network interfaces, VirtualBox should set a unique IP address. If you want Windows to be able to connect to Security Onion over one of those networks, then you will need to make sure to allow the appropriate IP address(es) or range(s) through the Security Onion firewall.

Some of your questions above are not really about Security Onion and are more about VirtualBox itself. The best place to ask VirtualBox questions would be the VirtualBox community.

You may also want to consider trying a different virtualization software like VMware. If you have questions about VMware, please consult the VMware community.

[Kemiura]

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my query and for providing valuable insights regarding the network configuration in VirtualBox. Your explanation about the virtual networks and the need to allow the appropriate IP ranges through Security Onion's firewall was very helpful.

I actually managed to resolve the issue before your response, but your points helped me better understand the underlying mechanics of the setup. Initially, I had configured the firewall to allow the IP range 192.168.0.0/24, assuming it would cover a broader range. However, I realized my mistake and expanded the range to 192.168.0.0/16, which successfully resolved the connectivity issue.

Your suggestion to consult the VirtualBox community for specific questions and even to consider alternative software like VMware is very much appreciated. I’ll keep this advice in mind for future reference.

Thanks again for your support and for being part of the discussion!