KVM: PPC: Book3S HV: Fix stack handling in idle_kvm_start_guest()
Summary
GSD-2021-1001840: KVM: PPC: Book3S HV: Fix stack handling in idle_kvm_start_guest(). Affects Kernel versions >= 10d91611f426d4bafd2a83d966c36da811b2f7ad, < fbd724c49bead048ae9fc1a5b7bff2fb3e54f855. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Kernel package is a crucial component of the Linux operating system. It provides the core functionality and interfaces for various hardware devices, system resources, and software components. The KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) subsystem within the Kernel package allows running virtual machines on the host system. The PowerPC (PPC) architecture is supported by the Book3S HV implementation of KVM. The idle_kvm_start_guest() function is responsible for starting a guest virtual machine when the host system is idle.
Vulnerability Detail
The idle_kvm_start_guest() function in the KVM Book3S HV implementation for PowerPC mishandles stack handling, leading to a potential security vulnerability. The specific impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. However, if exploited, it could potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges within the virtual machine environment. This vulnerability was introduced in version v5.2 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.10.76.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Conclusion
The idle_kvm_start_guest() function in the KVM Book3S HV implementation for PowerPC has a stack handling vulnerability. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel package to version v5.10.76 or later to mitigate this issue. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability is currently unknown, but if successfully exploited, it could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or escalate privileges within the virtual machine environment.
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No specific workaround has been provided for this vulnerability. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel package to the fixed version.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the Open Source Vulnerability Database. The vulnerability ID is GSD-2021-1001840.
This vulnerability was discovered through automated analysis and testing of the Linux Kernel source code.
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