CVE-2021-47228: x86/ioremap: Map EFI-reserved memory as encrypted for SEV

Published May 21, 2024
·
Updated

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:

x86/ioremap: Map EFI-reserved memory as encrypted for SEV

Some drivers require memory that is marked as EFI boot services data. In order for this memory to not be re-used by the kernel after ExitBootServices(), efimemreserve() is used to preserve it by inserting a new EFI memory descriptor and marking it with the EFIMEMORYRUNTIME attribute.

Under SEV, memory marked with the EFIMEMORYRUNTIME attribute needs to be mapped encrypted by Linux, otherwise the kernel might crash at boot like below:

EFI Variables Facility v0.08 2004-May-17 general protection fault, probably for non-canonical address 0x3597688770a868b2: 0000 [#1] SMP NOPTI CPU: 13 PID: 1 Comm: swapper/0 Not tainted 5.12.4-2-default #1 openSUSE Tumbleweed Hardware name: QEMU Standard PC (Q35 + ICH9, 2009), BIOS 0.0.0 02/06/2015 RIP: 0010:efimokvarentrynext [...] Call Trace: efimokvarsysfsinit ? efimokvartableinit dooneinitcall ? kmalloc kernelinitfreeable ? restinit kernelinit retfromfork

Expand the ioremapcheckother() function to additionally check for this other type of boot data reserved at runtime and indicate that it should be mapped encrypted for an SEV guest.

[ bp: Massage commit message. ]

Affected Software

9 affected components
Linux Kernel=5.12.4
Linux Linux kernel>=5.10<5.10.46
Linux Linux kernel>=5.11<5.12.13
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=5.13-rc6

Event History

May 21, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:19 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:19 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:15 PM
DescriptionSeverity

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2021-47228?

CVE-2021-47228 has been classified as a moderate severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel.

2

How do I fix CVE-2021-47228?

To fix CVE-2021-47228, you should upgrade your Linux kernel to version 5.12.5 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed.

3

What are the potential impacts of CVE-2021-47228?

CVE-2021-47228 can lead to unauthorized memory access and potential exploitation due to improper handling of EFI-reserved memory.

4

Which versions of Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2021-47228?

CVE-2021-47228 affects the Linux kernel version 5.12.4 and earlier releases.

5

Is CVE-2021-47228 a remote or local exploit?

CVE-2021-47228 is considered a local exploit that can be utilized by a user with local access to the system.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203