QEMU Security Update: Arbitrary Code Execution

qemu Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

17/04/2018
N/A
Yes i
Unrated
Not published

DLA-1351-1: qemu - security update. Affects qemu versions < 1.1.2+dfsg-6+deb7u25. Fixed in 1.1.2+dfsg-6+deb7u25. How to fix ↓

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Background

QEMU is a Quick Emulator that allows users to run virtual machines on various host platforms. It provides hardware emulation for multiple architectures and is commonly used in virtualization environments. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in QEMU that allows local guest OS users to execute arbitrary code on the QEMU host. This vulnerability arises from the load_multiboot function in hw/i386/multiboot.c, which can be exploited by manipulating certain memory addresses.

Vulnerability Detail

The load_multiboot function in QEMU can be abused by local guest OS users to execute arbitrary code on the QEMU host. By providing a mh_load_end_addr value greater than mh_bss_end_addr, an out-of-bounds read or write memory access can occur. This can lead to unauthorized code execution and potential compromise of the QEMU host. The vulnerability affects QEMU version 1.1.2+dfsg-6+deb7u25 and earlier.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.1.2+dfsg-6+deb7u25

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade qemu

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Workaround

There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to apply the security update mentioned above to mitigate the risk of arbitrary code execution.

Conclusion

The QEMU security update addresses a vulnerability that allows local guest OS users to execute arbitrary code on the QEMU host. It is crucial to upgrade your QEMU packages to the fixed version to mitigate the risk of unauthorized code execution. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

QEMU is a Quick Emulator that allows users to run virtual machines on various host platforms. It provides hardware emulation for multiple architectures.

Users running QEMU version 1.1.2+dfsg-6+deb7u25 or earlier on Debian 7 Wheezy are affected by this vulnerability.

You can check the version of QEMU installed on your system by running the command 'qemu-system-x86_64 --version' in the terminal.

No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the security update to protect against arbitrary code execution.

You can find more information about Debian LTS security advisories, including how to apply updates and frequently asked questions, on the Debian LTS wiki: https://wiki.debian.org/LTS

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

1.1.2+dfsg-6+deb7u25

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade qemu

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