CVE-2022-49886: x86/tdx: Panic on bad configs that #VE on "private" memory access

Published May 1, 2025
·
Updated

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

x86/tdx: Panic on bad configs that #VE on "private" memory access

All normal kernel memory is "TDX private memory". This includes everything from kernel stacks to kernel text. Handling exceptions on arbitrary accesses to kernel memory is essentially impossible because they can happen in horribly nasty places like kernel entry/exit. But, TDX hardware can theoretically deliver a virtualization exception (#VE) on any access to private memory.

But, it's not as bad as it sounds. TDX can be configured to never deliver these exceptions on private memory with a "TD attribute" called ATTRSEPTVEDISABLE. The guest has no way to set this attribute, but it can check it.

Ensure ATTRSEPTVEDISABLE is set in early boot. panic() if it is unset. There is no sane way for Linux to run with this attribute clear so a panic() is appropriate.

There's small window during boot before the check where kernel has an early #VE handler. But the handler is only for port I/O and will also panic() as soon as it sees any other #VE, such as a one generated by a private memory access.

[ dhansen: Rewrite changelog and rebase on new tdxparsetdinfo(). Add Kirill's tested-by because I made changes since he wrote this. ]

Affected Software

5 affected components
Linux Linux kernel
Linux Linux kernel>=5.19<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
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2022-49886?

CVE-2022-49886 has a high severity rating due to potential panic conditions on bad configurations with TDX private memory access.

2

How do I fix CVE-2022-49886?

To mitigate CVE-2022-49886, ensure your Linux kernel is updated to the latest stable version that includes the relevant patches.

3

Which versions of the Linux kernel are affected by CVE-2022-49886?

CVE-2022-49886 affects various versions of the Linux kernel that implement TDX features but specifics should be checked against the latest security advisories.

4

What does CVE-2022-49886 impact within the Linux kernel?

CVE-2022-49886 impacts the handling of exceptions on TDX private memory access, potentially leading to kernel panics.

5

Is there a workaround for CVE-2022-49886 until a patch is applied?

Currently, the best approach for CVE-2022-49886 is to update the kernel, as no specific workaround is recommended.

Contact

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