KVM: PPC: Book3S HV: Fix stack handling in idle_kvm_start_guest()
Summary
GSD-2021-1002108: KVM: PPC: Book3S HV: Fix stack handling in idle_kvm_start_guest(). Affects Kernel versions >= 10d91611f426d4bafd2a83d966c36da811b2f7ad, < 6d077c37c4643394b1bae9682da48164fc147ea8. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Kernel package is a fundamental component of the Linux operating system. It provides the core functionality and interfaces for the system, including device drivers, process management, memory management, and file system support. 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. This vulnerability specifically affects the stack handling in the idle_kvm_start_guest() function of the Book3S HV code.
Vulnerability Detail
The idle_kvm_start_guest() function in the Book3S HV implementation of KVM for PowerPC architecture has a stack handling issue. The vulnerability allows an attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition on the host system. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker with sufficient privileges within a virtual machine could escalate their privileges to the host system or disrupt the operation of other virtual machines running on the same host. The issue was introduced in version v5.2 of the Linux Kernel and has been fixed in version v5.14.15.
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 →
Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to apply the fix by updating the Linux Kernel package to a version that includes the necessary patch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the KVM: PPC: Book3S HV vulnerability in the Linux Kernel package poses a risk of arbitrary code execution or denial-of-service attacks. It is crucial to update the Kernel package to version v5.14.15 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If you need further assistance or support in addressing this vulnerability, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The vulnerability allows an attacker with sufficient privileges within a virtual machine to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition on the host system. This could lead to unauthorized access to the host system or disruption of other virtual machines running on the same host.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your package-lock.json file, and Vulert will analyze it for any open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the fix by updating the Linux Kernel package to a version that includes the necessary patch.
To update the Linux Kernel package, you can download the updated Kernel source code from the official Git repository (https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git/) and compile it for your system. Alternatively, you can wait for your Linux distribution to provide an updated package containing the fix.
You can find more information about this vulnerability, including the specific commits that introduced and fixed it, in the vulnerability database maintained by the Cloud Security Alliance. The source link for this vulnerability is: https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database/blob/main/2021/1002xxx/GSD-2021-1002108.json
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
