KVM: PPC: Book3S HV: Fix stack handling in idle_kvm_start_guest()
Summary
GSD-2021-1002008: KVM: PPC: Book3S HV: Fix stack handling in idle_kvm_start_guest(). Affects Kernel versions >= 10d91611f426d4bafd2a83d966c36da811b2f7ad, < 80bbb0bc3a0288442f7fe6fc514f4ee1cb06ccb7. 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 the system's hardware and software components. The KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) subsystem within the Kernel package enables the hosting of virtual machines on Linux systems. 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 does not properly handle the stack, leading to a stack corruption vulnerability. An attacker with local access to the host system could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability.
Conclusion
The idle_kvm_start_guest() function in the KVM Book3S HV implementation for PowerPC has a stack handling vulnerability that could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.156 or later to fix this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability could allow an attacker with local access to the host system to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.
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 to the playground and it will analyze and alert you in real-time for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
No, there is currently no known exploit for this vulnerability.
The only mitigation for this vulnerability is to update the Linux Kernel to version v5.4.156 or later.
This vulnerability was discovered by an automated ID intended to aid in the discovery of potential security vulnerabilities.
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