KVM: Null Dereference in ops->destroy
Summary
GSD-2022-1004326: KVM: Don't null dereference ops->destroy. Affects Kernel versions < e91665fbbf3ccb268b268a7d71a6513538d813ac. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Kernel package is a crucial component of the Linux operating system. It provides the core functionality and acts as an interface between the hardware and software layers. KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a module within the Kernel that enables the creation and management of virtual machines on Linux systems. It allows users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single physical machine. The ops->destroy function is responsible for destroying a virtual machine instance and freeing associated resources.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in KVM arises from a null dereference in the ops->destroy function. This means that when the function is called, it attempts to access a memory location that is null, leading to a crash or potential exploitation. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. However, if successfully exploited, an attacker could potentially gain unauthorized access to the host system or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. This vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.15.58 by commit e91665fbbf3ccb268b268a7d71a6513538d813ac.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.15.58 or later. This can be done by downloading the latest stable version of the Kernel from the official Git repository (https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git/) and following the installation instructions provided. Alternatively, users can update their Linux distribution, which includes the latest Kernel updates.
Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The KVM vulnerability involving null dereference in ops->destroy can potentially lead to unauthorized access or a denial-of-service condition. It is crucial to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.15.58 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the host system or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.
There is no evidence of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild at the time of this report.
The vulnerability is present in versions of the Linux Kernel prior to v5.15.58. The fix has been implemented in this version and later releases.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.15.58 by commit e91665fbbf3ccb268b268a7d71a6513538d813ac.
You can use Vulert's playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your application or system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert monitors and alerts in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring access to the code or installation.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
Follow Vulert in Google
Get more Vulert vulnerability and dependency-security updates in Google Search and AI results.