Vulnerability in Kernel package: xen/x86: fix PV trap handling on secondary processors

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

19/10/2021
N/A
No i
Unrated
Not published

GSD-2021-1001765: xen/x86: fix PV trap handling on secondary processors. Affects Kernel versions >= f87e4cac4f4e940b328d3deb5b53e642e3881f43, < 842f8bde1ed922dd8e3ba3e013352f4055ae4e85. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

Free scan

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.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats
SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml
Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile
Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml
PHP composer.lock
Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock
Go go.mod
Rust Cargo.lock
Ruby Gemfile.lock
Dart pubspec.lock
C/C++ conan.lock
Elixir mix.lock
Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Sponsored Devnack Penetration testing for web, API and mobile Manual testing by engineers who build software, not an auditor's checklist. Trusted by teams at Swift and Google Talk to Devnack

Background

The Kernel package is a crucial component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing core system functions and providing an interface between hardware and software. It includes various subsystems, such as memory management, process scheduling, and device drivers. The xen/x86 module within the Kernel package specifically handles virtualization on x86 architectures. This vulnerability affects the PV (paravirtualized) trap handling on secondary processors, potentially leading to security breaches and system instability.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from an issue in the PV trap handling mechanism on secondary processors within the xen/x86 module. Attackers may exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges on a vulnerable system. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. The vulnerability was introduced in version v2.6.23 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.14.9.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →

Conclusion

The vulnerability in the Kernel package's xen/x86 module, specifically related to PV trap handling on secondary processors, poses a potential security risk. It is crucial to update the Kernel package to version v5.14.9 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further assistance or support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →

Share this vulnerability

FAQ

The impact of this vulnerability can vary depending on the attacker's capabilities and the system's configuration. In worst-case scenarios, it could lead to unauthorized code execution or privilege escalation.

You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Vulert analyzes your manifest file, such as package-lock.json, and provides real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.

Currently, there are no known workarounds for this vulnerability. It is recommended to update the Kernel package to the fixed version as soon as possible.

The exact attack vector and exploitability of this vulnerability have not been determined yet. However, it is advisable to assume that remote exploitation is possible and take appropriate measures to mitigate the risk.

The discovery of this vulnerability was automated and reported by Vulert, a platform that monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in software.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →

Subscribe to Vulert on Telegram
Daily digest of new CVEs, critical and high severity, affected packages and fixes — plus a weekly roundup.
Join the channel →
Help improve this record
Report an issue or send feedback