CVE-2024-55881: KVM: x86: Play nice with protected guests in complete_hypercall_exit()

Published Jan 11, 2025
·
Updated

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

KVM: x86: Play nice with protected guests in completehypercallexit()

Use is64bithypercall() instead of is64bitmode() to detect a 64-bit hypercall when completing said hypercall. For guests with protected state, e.g. SEV-ES and SEV-SNP, KVM must assume the hypercall was made in 64-bit mode as the vCPU state needed to detect 64-bit mode is unavailable.

Hacking the sevsmoketest selftest to generate a KVMHCMAPGPARANGE hypercall via VMGEXIT trips the WARN:

------------[ cut here ]------------ WARNING: CPU: 273 PID: 326626 at arch/x86/kvm/x86.h:180 completehypercallexit+0x44/0xe0 [kvm] Modules linked in: kvmamd kvm ... [last unloaded: kvm] CPU: 273 UID: 0 PID: 326626 Comm: sevsmoketest Not tainted 6.12.0-smp--392e932fa0f3-feat #470 Hardware name: Google Astoria/astoria, BIOS 0.20240617.0-0 06/17/2024 RIP: 0010:completehypercallexit+0x44/0xe0 [kvm] Call Trace: <TASK> kvmarchvcpuioctlrun+0x2400/0x2720 [kvm] kvmvcpuioctl+0x54f/0x630 [kvm] sesysioctl+0x6b/0xc0 dosyscall64+0x83/0x160 entrySYSCALL64afterhwframe+0x76/0x7e </TASK> ---[ end trace 0000000000000000 ]---

Other sources

This CVE was automatically created from a reference found in an email or other text. If you are reading this, then this CVE entry is probably erroneous, since this text should be replaced by the official CVE description automatically.

Launchpad

Affected Software

18 affected componentsFixes available
Linux Kernel
debian/linux
5.10.223-15.10.234-16.1.129-16.1.135-16.12.25-16.12.27-1
debian/linux-6.1
6.1.129-1~deb11u1
Linux Linux kernel>=5.15.5<5.15.176
Linux Linux kernel>=5.16.1<6.1.122
Linux Linux kernel>=6.2<6.6.68
Linux Linux kernel>=6.7<6.12.7
Linux Linux kernel=5.16
Linux Linux kernel=5.16-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=5.16-rc3
Linux Linux kernel=5.16-rc4
Linux Linux kernel=5.16-rc5
Linux Linux kernel=5.16-rc6
Linux Linux kernel=5.16-rc7
Linux Linux kernel=5.16-rc8
Linux Linux kernel=6.13-rc1
Linux Linux kernel=6.13-rc2
Linux Linux kernel=6.13-rc3

Event History

Jan 11, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:35 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:35 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:15 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·01:15 PM
RemedySeverityAffected Software
Mar 27, 2025
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·06:44 PM
Description
Apr 28, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·06:50 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2024-55881?

CVE-2024-55881 is considered to have a medium severity due to its impact on the Linux kernel's handling of hypercalls.

2

How do I fix CVE-2024-55881?

To fix CVE-2024-55881, update your Linux kernel to the latest version that contains the relevant patch.

3

What software is affected by CVE-2024-55881?

CVE-2024-55881 affects the Linux Kernel, particularly in interaction with protected guests.

4

What is the nature of the vulnerability CVE-2024-55881?

CVE-2024-55881 involves an improper check within the complete_hypercall_exit() function related to detecting 64-bit hypercalls.

5

What does CVE-2024-55881 affect in the virtualization context?

CVE-2024-55881 affects the KVM virtualization environment, specifically its interaction with protected guest systems.

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