Vulnerability in Kernel package: xen/balloon

Kernel Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

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

UVI-2021-1001543: xen/balloon: use a kernel thread instead a workqueue. Affects Kernel versions < c5d5a43dd2b649a0a290bfed00fb76d1aff89be6. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

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Background

The Kernel package is a crucial component of the Linux operating system, responsible for managing system resources and providing an interface between hardware and software. The xen/balloon module within the Kernel package is specifically designed for memory management in Xen virtualization environments. It allows the dynamic adjustment of memory allocated to virtual machines. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in the xen/balloon module that could potentially be exploited by attackers.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability in the xen/balloon module involves the use of a workqueue instead of a kernel thread. This design flaw could lead to security issues, although the exact impact and plausibility of attacks have not been proven yet. The vulnerability has been assigned the ID UVI-2021-1001543. It has been fixed in Linux Kernel version v4.14.249 by commit c5d5a43dd2b649a0a290bfed00fb76d1aff89be6. For more details, refer to the references link provided.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

No specific workaround has been mentioned for this vulnerability.

Conclusion

The vulnerability in the xen/balloon module of the Kernel package could potentially be exploited by attackers. It is recommended to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.14.249 or later to fix this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

The exact impact of this vulnerability is not yet known. However, it has the potential to be exploited by attackers to compromise the security of the system.

You can use the Vulert Playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your manifest file (e.g., package-lock.json) and the playground will provide real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities.

Yes, a patch has been released in Linux Kernel version v4.14.249. It is recommended to update to this version or a later one to fix the vulnerability.

No specific temporary measures have been mentioned for this vulnerability. It is advisable to update to the fixed Kernel version as soon as possible.

You can refer to the source link provided in the database specific section of the vulnerability details for more information about this vulnerability.

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How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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