CVE-2016-8630: Null Pointer Dereference

Published Nov 9, 2016
·
Updated

Last updated 24 July 2024

Other sources

Linux kernel built with the Kernel-based Virtual Machine (CONFIGKVM) support is vulnerable to a null pointer dereference flaw. It could occur on x86 platform, when emulating an undefined instruction.

A user/process could use this flaw to crash the host kernel resulting in DoS.

Upstream patch: --------------- -> https://git.kernel.org/linus/d9092f52d7e61dd1557f2db2400ddb430e85937e

Reference: ---------- -> http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2016/11/22/3

Red Hat

The x86decodeinsn function in arch/x86/kvm/emulate.c in the Linux kernel before 4.8.7, when KVM is enabled, allows local users to cause a denial of service (host OS crash) via a certain use of a ModR/M byte in an undefined instruction.

Launchpad

Affected Software

2 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel<=4.8.6
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Event History

Nov 9, 2016
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·11:39 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Nov 28, 2016
CVE Published
via MITRE·03:01 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·03:01 AM
Description
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·10:21 PM
Description
Sep 16, 2024
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·01:16 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Mar 31, 2025
Data Sourced
via Debian·03:32 AM
DescriptionAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the vulnerability ID for this vulnerability?

The vulnerability ID for this vulnerability is CVE-2016-8630.

2

What is the severity level of CVE-2016-8630?

CVE-2016-8630 has a severity level of high (7).

3

How does CVE-2016-8630 affect the Linux kernel?

CVE-2016-8630 affects the x86_decode_insn function in arch/x86/kvm/emulate.c in the Linux kernel before version 4.8.7, when KVM is enabled.

4

What is the impact of CVE-2016-8630?

CVE-2016-8630 allows local users to cause a denial of service (host OS crash) via a certain use of a ModR/M byte in an undefined instruction.

5

How can I fix CVE-2016-8630?

To fix CVE-2016-8630, you should update to Linux kernel version 4.8.7 or later.

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