CVE-2021-29657: Use After Free

Published Jul 22, 2021
·
Updated

arch/x86/kvm/svm/nested.c in the Linux kernel before 5.11.12 has a use-after-free in which an AMD KVM guest can bypass access control on host OS MSRs when there are nested guests, aka CID-a58d9166a756. This occurs because of a TOCTOU race condition associated with a VMCB12 double fetch in nestedsvmvmrun.

Affected Software

3 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Linux kernel>=5.10<5.10.28
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.11.12
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Event History

Jul 22, 2021
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:44 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:44 PM
Description
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·11:56 PM
Description
Sep 16, 2024
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·02:31 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Mar 27, 2025
Data Sourced
via Debian·04:22 AM
DescriptionAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-29657?

CVE-2021-29657 has a high severity rating due to its potential to allow an AMD KVM guest to bypass access control on host OS MSRs.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-29657?

To address CVE-2021-29657, update to Linux kernel version 5.10.223-1, 5.10.234-1, 6.1.123-1, 6.1.128-1, 6.12.12-1, or 6.12.17-1.

3

Which Linux kernel versions are affected by CVE-2021-29657?

Affected versions of the Linux kernel range from version 5.10 to 5.11.12.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2021-29657?

CVE-2021-29657 is classified as a use-after-free vulnerability that is exploited through a race condition in nested virtualization.

5

What systems are impacted by CVE-2021-29657?

CVE-2021-29657 primarily impacts systems running KVM with nested virtualization using affected versions of the Linux kernel.

Contact

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