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CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 19:03
by sean14760
how do you get windows in virtual box to recognize the CAC card reader from the host operating system( Open Suse 11.1)?

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 20:08
by Sasquatch
If it's not attached to USB, it can't be send to the VM.

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 20:17
by sean14760
If this is true why does it even come up on the USB list? I am not saying you are wrong because I am very much in agreement with your answer because it makes sense. I am just curious I guess, is this something that is being worked on as far as other devices being picked up and usable through other connection types?

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 20:18
by Sasquatch
Just like how you can pass an integrated webcam or bluetooth adapter to a VM: it's internally attached to the USB bus.

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 22:55
by sean14760
okay I now have an external USB CAC and it is still doing the same thing, what should I do now?

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 23:13
by Sasquatch
Well, I actually have no idea what CAC stands for. Is it some kind of smart card reader or something? Because not all USB devices work with VB or need some work arounds before it works.

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 23:15
by sean14760
CAC stands for common access card which yes is a smart card reader. It sees the reader from virtualbox's device list but it is grayed out and will not allow it to be used.

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 23:17
by Sasquatch
That means that the Host is using it. You have to unload the smart card module, or set a filter for the device in the VM settings so it can be grabbed without issues.

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 23:18
by sean14760
I work in a research lab by the way so I have access to a lot of equipment I have actually tried 5 different smart card readers and all of them are doing the same thing. The host operating system however sees the smart card readers and I had no problem using them.

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Oct 2009, 23:18
by sean14760
okay I will give that a try.

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 4. Nov 2009, 15:51
by fasilvadejesus
Hi, I don't know if you already resolved this issue, but I just got the same thing when I upgraded yesterday, Nov-3-2009, from VirtualBox 2.2.4 to VirtualBox 3.0.10. I mean, my CAC reader was working in the previous version, and now it was not working even the VirtualBox was recognizing two (2) CAC readers. I was playing around with this issue until I got it resolved.

Just for clarifying, I know it is a Linux issue's forum, but maybe this fixing can help. Therefore, I have Windows Vista, and I use VirtualBox to run Windows 2000 (where the CAC reader was working on the v.2.2.4 and not in v.3.0.10). In the steps below, I will call "VOS" (for "virtual operating system") as the operating system having trouble with. In my case it was Windows 2000.

To resolve it:
  • 1. Unplugged the CAC reader.
  • 2. Go to the Settings of your VOS that is giving you the issue in VirtualBox.
    • Note: To go to the Settings that is located on the Sun VirtualBox console, make sure you have closed the VOS in VirtualBox you're using, so it can be manipulated. Otherwise, the Settings button will be disabled.
  • 3. Click on the USB tab at the left panel.
  • 4. Remove the "ActivCard USB Reader V2 [0202]" device filter from the list.
    • Note: The name could change depending of your CAC reader.
  • 5. Start up the VOS again.
  • 6. Reinstall the CAC reader drivers from "Add/Remove Programs" of the "Control Panel", from within the VOS.
    • Note: In my case, I have "ActivClient for CAC - PKI Only" and "ActivIdentity Device Installer". Probably, it will prompt you to restart the VOS, if so, restart it.
  • 7. Plug the CAC reader.
  • 8. On the VOS's menu, go to "USB Devices" under Devices, and click the CAC reader device you want the system to recognize.
    • Note: You also can right-click on the USB icon*, and click your CAC reader device.
      • * This icon is located at the "border" of the right-bottom side of your VOS, and not at the left side of the VOS's clock.
  • 9. The system should recognize the CAC reader installing the drivers again, as the first time.
  • 10. Voila! You should have running the CAC reader now!
With all these steps you should run the VOS with the CAC reader supported. I just did the next "optional" part just to make sure the CAC reader will be attached every time I go into the VOS. I mean, it's not necessary because I saw the CAC reader running on the VOS without this "optional" part, but just wanted to make sure, before something else happens and then you don't remember how to fix this issue.

Optional:
  • 11. Close your VOS.
  • 12. Go to the Settings of your VOS.
  • 13. Go to the USB tab on the left panel.
  • 14. Add the CAC reader device to the list.
  • 15. Click OK.
That's it! Hope this helps.

Regards,
Fabio

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 1. Apr 2016, 23:44
by alonsorm
Version = 5.0.16, Host OS=Windows 7 Pro, Guest OS=Windows 7 Pro. CAC Drivers=Active Card.

How can I get the CAC reader to be shared between the Host and Guest OS. Our workstations require CAC login. When I'm in the Guest and I select the USB CAC reader, the Guest takes control, the Host has no access to the CAC and logs off the Host. Rendering it useless. If I'm move the Guest OS to a workstation that doesn't require CAC login, it all works. So I must be able to share the USB CAC Reader in VirtualBox. BTY... This all works in my VWWare Workstation Player v12.

Anyone have a workaround for this? I tried everything on this thread. Nothing works.

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 13. Jul 2016, 17:28
by jessem
alonsorm wrote:Version = 5.0.16, Host OS=Windows 7 Pro, Guest OS=Windows 7 Pro. CAC Drivers=Active Card.

How can I get the CAC reader to be shared between the Host and Guest OS. Our workstations require CAC login. When I'm in the Guest and I select the USB CAC reader, the Guest takes control, the Host has no access to the CAC and logs off the Host. Rendering it useless. If I'm move the Guest OS to a workstation that doesn't require CAC login, it all works. So I must be able to share the USB CAC Reader in VirtualBox. BTY... This all works in my VWWare Workstation Player v12.

Anyone have a workaround for this? I tried everything on this thread. Nothing works.

I have this issue as well and would like to use my cac on my host and guest simultaneously. Right now I just handle anything I need to do with my CAC on the host side and get the majority of my work done in my guest Linux vm.

Re: CAC card problem

Posted: 13. Jul 2016, 17:55
by socratis
jessem wrote:I have this issue as well and would like to use my cac on my host and guest simultaneously.
USB devices are not shareable, that is it's going to be either your host or your guest, not simultaneously.