KVM: x86/svm: Clear reserved bits written to PerfEvtSeln MSRs
Summary
GSD-2022-1002324: KVM: x86/svm: Clear reserved bits written to PerfEvtSeln MSRs. Affects Kernel versions >= ca724305a2b02abcbecbf22577536fc8e965ab4f, < 7f32e8f5fd68216a271d8d5ebb57d0eca88e1bb7. 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 an essential component of the Linux operating system. It provides the core functionality and acts as an interface between the hardware and software layers. The Kernel package includes various subsystems, including the KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) subsystem, which enables virtualization on x86-based systems. The KVM subsystem utilizes the SVM (Secure Virtual Machine) feature of x86 processors to provide hardware-assisted virtualization. One aspect of SVM is the PerfEvtSeln MSRs (Model-Specific Registers), which allow the configuration of performance monitoring events. However, a vulnerability exists in the KVM x86/svm code that allows reserved bits in the PerfEvtSeln MSRs to be set, potentially leading to security issues.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability in the KVM x86/svm code allows the setting of reserved bits in the PerfEvtSeln MSRs. These reserved bits are not intended to be modified and may have specific meanings or behaviors defined by the processor architecture. By setting these reserved bits, an attacker could potentially manipulate the behavior of the performance monitoring events or trigger unintended actions. The impact and attack plausibility of this vulnerability have not been proven yet. However, it is important to address this issue to ensure the integrity and security of the virtualization environment.
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 →
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the KVM x86/svm code that allows the setting of reserved bits in the PerfEvtSeln MSRs has been addressed in Linux Kernel version v4.19.238. Users are advised to update their Linux Kernel to this version or later to ensure the integrity and security of their virtualization environment. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for Kernel →
FAQ
The impact of this vulnerability is currently unknown, as the attack plausibility has not been proven. However, it is important to address this issue to ensure the integrity and security of the virtualization environment.
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 to the playground, and it will analyze the dependencies and alert you if any known vulnerabilities, including this one, are found.
There are currently no known exploits for this vulnerability. However, it is always recommended to apply security patches and updates to mitigate any potential risks.
The remote exploitability of this vulnerability is currently unknown. Further analysis and research are required to determine if remote exploitation is possible.
There is no specific workaround mentioned for this vulnerability. The recommended solution is to update the Linux Kernel to version v4.19.238 or later.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for Kernel.
