CVE-2022-49884: KVM: Initialize gfn_to_pfn_cache locks in dedicated helper

Published May 1, 2025
·
Updated

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

KVM: Initialize gfntopfncache locks in dedicated helper

Move the gfntopfncache lock initialization to another helper and call the new helper during VM/vCPU creation. There are race conditions possible due to kvmgfntopfncacheinit()'s ability to re-initialize the cache's locks.

For example: a race between ioctl(KVMXENHVMEVTCHNSEND) and kvmgfntopfncacheinit() leads to a corrupted shinfo gpc lock.

(thread 1) | (thread 2) | kvmxensetevtchnfast | readlockirqsave(&gpc->lock, ...) | | kvmgfntopfncacheinit | rwlockinit(&gpc->lock) readunlockirqrestore(&gpc->lock, ...) |

Rename "cacheinit" and "cachedestroy" to activate+deactivate to avoid implying that the cache really is destroyed/freed.

Note, there more races in the newly named kvmgpcactivate() that will be addressed separately.

[sean: call out that this is a bug fix]

Affected Software

5 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=5.17<6.0.8
Linux Linux kernel=6.1-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.1-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.1-rc3

Event History

May 1, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:10 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:10 PM
DescriptionSeverity
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2022-49884?

CVE-2022-49884 is categorized as a moderate severity vulnerability in the Linux kernel.

2

How can I fix CVE-2022-49884?

To resolve CVE-2022-49884, you should apply the appropriate security patch provided in the latest Linux kernel updates.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2022-49884?

CVE-2022-49884 affects various versions of the Linux kernel, particularly those using KVM.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2022-49884?

CVE-2022-49884 is a race condition vulnerability that can lead to unexpected behavior in virtual machine and virtual CPU operations.

5

When was CVE-2022-49884 published?

CVE-2022-49884 was published on December 18, 2022.

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