CVE-2021-4093: High severity Linux Linux kernel vulnerability

Published Dec 2, 2021
·
Updated

A flaw was found in the KVM's AMD code for supporting the Secure Encrypted Virtualization-Encrypted State (SEV-ES). A KVM guest using SEV-ES can trigger out-of-bounds reads and writes in the host kernel via a malicious VMGEXIT for a string I/O instruction (for example, outs or ins) using the exit reason SVMEXITIOIO. This issue results in a crash of the entire system or a potential guest-to-host escape scenario.

Other sources

A KVM guest using SEV-ES (Secure Encrypted Virtualization - Encrypted State) can trigger out-of-bounds reads and writes in the host kernel via a malicious VMGEXIT using the exit reason SVMEXITIOIO.

Red Hat

Affected Software

7 affected componentsFixes available
redhat/kernel<5.15
5.15
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.14.16
redhat Enterprise Linux=8.0
Fedoraproject Fedora=35
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=20.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=21.10
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1

Event History

Dec 2, 2021
Data Sourced
via Red Hat·05:07 PM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Feb 18, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·05:50 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·05:50 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Jan 12, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·12:00 AM
Description
Sep 16, 2024
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·01:45 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-4093?

CVE-2021-4093 has been classified with a high severity rating due to the potential for out-of-bounds reads and writes in the host kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-4093?

To fix CVE-2021-4093, ensure your system is updated to kernel version 5.15 or later, or apply the specific patches available for your distribution.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2021-4093?

CVE-2021-4093 affects various systems including Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0, Fedora 35, and specific versions of Ubuntu Linux.

4

Can CVE-2021-4093 lead to remote code execution?

Yes, CVE-2021-4093 can potentially allow an attacker to exploit the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the host system.

5

Who is responsible for addressing CVE-2021-4093?

It is the responsibility of system administrators and vendors to monitor for patches and updates related to CVE-2021-4093 to ensure systems remain secure.

Contact

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