How to connect my FreeNAS server to a Guest OS in VirtualBox

[UncleFester]

Hello to you all,

I was recently introduced to the delights of Hypervisors by @depasseg.
This solved a backup issue I was having with Windows multiboot enviroments and has worked beautifully for me.
I thank him for his suggestion.

However I have some questions.

I have a Guest OS (Win 8.1) running in VirtualBox on a Host OS (also Win 8.1).

At the moment I shuttle files back and forth using the "Shared Folder" facility in VirtualBox.
Although the "Shared Folder" facility is very useful, I really miss being able to connect to my FreeNAS server across my private network (i.e. behind the firewall and NAT of my router).
In my Host OS I connect to my server via the "Mapped Network Drive" feature in Windows.
I would love to be able to do the same within my Guest OS.

So my questions are as follows:

• Can this be done in VirtualBox and if so how? (Any pointers to guides/tutorials would be appreciated as I can't find anything yet.)
• Is this a good idea or should I be looking at taking a different approach?
• Does this present a security risk to my Host OS and/or FreeNAS server? (There is intentionally no antivirus on the Host OS.)

My thanks to anyone who takes the time to respond.

UncleFester.

 

[Jailer]

What is your network adapter setting on the guest OS in virtualbox?

 

[UncleFester]

Hello @Jailer thanks for responding.

The details follow:

In VirtualBox > Settings > Network

Adapter 1 enabled (Adapter 2 - 4 disabled)
Attached to : NAT
Adapter type : Intel PRO/1000MT Desktop (8254OEM)
Promiscuous Mode : Deny
MAC Address : 0800xxxxxxxx
Cable Connected : Ticked
No Port Forwarding.

I have internet access through the Guest OS so I assume DNS and such things are OK.
VirtualBox Extension Pack and Guest Additions installed.

The network adapter within the Guest OS is as follows:

IPv4 Address : 10.0.2.10
Subnet mask : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway (VirtualBox's Default Gateway not the routers): 10.0.2.2
DHCP Server (VirtualBox's DHCP Server not the routers) : 10.0.2.2

Hope this helps.

 

[Jailer]

Change the adapter setting to bridged and the guest will be on your local network. With NAT enabled it has no way of resolving your local connections.

 

[UncleFester]

OK thanks @Jailer . I will look into this.

Any comments on security?

 

[Jailer]

Any comments on security?

On your internal network? You worried about an IOT takover on your LAN?

 

[UncleFester]

Sorry @Jailer but I don't know what an IOT takover is.

Judging by the tone of your question should I assume I am worrying too much about security?

Thanks again for your response.

 

[Jailer]

IOT = Internet Of Things.

It's good to worry about security for internet connected devices but for communication between devices on your local home network I wouldn't worry as much.

 

[UncleFester]

OK thanks @Jailer and thanks for your help.