Kernel x86/entry: Add kernel IBRS implementation
Summary
GSD-2022-1004373: x86/entry: Add kernel IBRS implementation. Affects Kernel versions < 62b4db57eefec6ab544749a4f0178c4f68bad835. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel package is a critical component of the Linux operating system. It provides the core functionality and interfaces for the system's hardware, software, and user applications. The x86/entry module within the Kernel is responsible for handling system calls and interrupts. It ensures proper execution of code when transitioning between user space and kernel space. This vulnerability affects the implementation of Indirect Branch Restricted Speculation (IBRS) in the Kernel, which is a security feature designed to mitigate certain types of Spectre attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a missing implementation of kernel IBRS in the x86/entry module. IBRS is an important security feature that helps protect against Spectre attacks by preventing speculative execution of indirect branches. Without this implementation, the system may be vulnerable to Spectre attacks that exploit speculative execution. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. It is important to note that this vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.15.57 by commit 62b4db57eefec6ab544749a4f0178c4f68bad835.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The Kernel x86/entry module is vulnerable to a missing implementation of kernel IBRS, which could potentially allow Spectre attacks exploiting speculative execution. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v5.15.57 or later, which includes the necessary fix. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability is not yet proven. However, if exploited, it could potentially allow attackers to perform Spectre attacks that exploit speculative execution.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. It provides real-time monitoring and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities without requiring access to the code or installation.
Yes, the vulnerability has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v5.15.57 by commit 62b4db57eefec6ab544749a4f0178c4f68bad835. It is recommended to update the Kernel to this version or later.
IBRS stands for Indirect Branch Restricted Speculation. It is a security feature that helps protect against Spectre attacks by preventing speculative execution of indirect branches. Speculative execution is a performance optimization technique used by processors, but it can be exploited by attackers to leak sensitive information. IBRS helps mitigate this risk by ensuring that indirect branches are not speculatively executed.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2022-1004373 entry of the GSD Database (https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2022/1004xxx/GSD-2022-1004373.json).
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