KVM: PPC: Fix kvm_arch_vcpu_ioctl vcpu_load leak
Summary
GSD-2021-1001368: KVM: PPC: Fix kvm_arch_vcpu_ioctl vcpu_load leak. Affects Kernel versions >= b3cebfe8c1cadf1817939dcc3688a2504a69c662, < 9bafc34dc4ad0cef18727c557f21ed3c3304df50. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel package is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system. It provides the core functionality and interfaces for the system's hardware, software, and processes. The KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) subsystem within the Kernel package enables the hosting of virtual machines on Linux. It allows users to run multiple virtual machines with different operating systems on a single physical machine. However, a vulnerability has been identified in the KVM: PPC (PowerPC) implementation, specifically in the kvm_arch_vcpu_ioctl function. This vulnerability can lead to a memory leak when handling vcpu_load requests.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the KVM: PPC implementation arises from a memory leak in the kvm_arch_vcpu_ioctl function. When processing vcpu_load requests, the function fails to release allocated memory, resulting in a memory leak. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to exhaust system memory resources, leading to a denial-of-service condition. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. The vulnerability was introduced in version v4.18 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v4.19.199 by commit 9bafc34dc4ad0cef18727c557f21ed3c3304df50.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
No specific workaround has been provided for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The KVM: PPC vulnerability in the Linux Kernel package, specifically in the kvm_arch_vcpu_ioctl function, has been identified and fixed in version v4.19.199. It is recommended to update the Kernel package to the latest version to ensure system security. If you need further assistance or support in addressing this vulnerability, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability is not yet proven. However, it could potentially lead to a denial-of-service condition by exhausting system memory resources.
You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file and the Vulert Playground will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
As of now, there is no known exploit for this vulnerability. However, it is important to apply the recommended fix to ensure system security.
No, this vulnerability requires a code fix in the Linux Kernel package. Configuration changes alone cannot mitigate the issue.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GSD-2021-1001368 entry of the GSD Database maintained by the Cloud Security Alliance. The entry can be accessed at https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1001xxx/GSD-2021-1001368.json.
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