Vulnerability in Kernel: Delay xen_hvm_init_time_ops() if kdump is boot on vcpu>=32
Summary
GSD-2022-1002315: xen: delay xen_hvm_init_time_ops() if kdump is boot on vcpu>=32. Affects Kernel versions < 0848767dee78c00c5646eef9b3201ee14ce68563. 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 is a critical component of the Linux operating system that provides core functionalities and acts as an interface between hardware and software. It manages system resources, facilitates communication between different software components, and ensures the overall stability and security of the system. This vulnerability affects the Kernel and specifically targets the xen_hvm_init_time_ops() function when kdump is boot on vcpu>=32.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from a timing issue in the xen_hvm_init_time_ops() function when kdump is boot on vcpu>=32. This issue can potentially be exploited by an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability has been identified and fixed in Linux Kernel version v4.19.238 by commit 0848767dee78c00c5646eef9b3201ee14ce68563.
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
If updating the Kernel is not immediately feasible, a possible workaround is to disable kdump or avoid booting on vcpu>=32. This can be achieved by modifying the system configuration or boot parameters. However, it is important to note that workarounds may not provide complete protection and updating to the fixed Kernel version is still recommended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this vulnerability in the Kernel can be exploited to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. It is crucial to update the Kernel to version v4.19.238 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Workarounds may provide temporary mitigation, but they are not a substitute for updating the Kernel. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
This vulnerability can potentially lead to a denial of service (DoS) or allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
You can use the Vulert Playground (https://vulert.com/scanner) to check if your system is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your manifest file (e.g., package-lock.json) and the Vulert Playground will provide real-time alerts for open-source vulnerabilities, including this one.
Yes, a patch has been released in Linux Kernel version v4.19.238. It is recommended to update to this version or a later one to fix the vulnerability.
While workarounds such as disabling kdump or avoiding booting on vcpu>=32 can provide temporary mitigation, updating the Kernel to the fixed version is the recommended approach for complete protection.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the official Linux Kernel repository (https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/stable/linux.git/) and the vulnerability database maintained by the Cloud Security Alliance (https://github.com/cloudsecurityalliance/gsd-database).
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
