CVE-2025-12748: Libvirt: denial of service in xml parsing
A flaw was discovered in libvirt in the XML file processing. More specifically, the parsing of user provided XML files was performed before the ACL checks (https://libvirt.org/acl.html). A malicious user with limited permissions could exploit this flaw by submitting a specially crafted XML file, causing libvirt to allocate too much memory on the host. The excessive memory consumption could lead to a libvirt process crash on the host, resulting in a denial-of-service condition.
Upstream issue: https://gitlab.com/libvirt/libvirt/-/issues/825
Patch: https://lists.libvirt.org/archives/list/devel@lists.libvirt.org/thread/LTGHU3S4JEMCF5KJNJGWWZ7F2CS6L5SG/
Other sources
A flaw was discovered in libvirt in the XML file processing. More specifically, the parsing of user provided XML files was performed before the ACL checks. A malicious user with limited permissions could exploit this flaw by submitting a specially crafted XML file, causing libvirt to allocate too much memory on the host. The excessive memory consumption could lead to a libvirt process crash on the host, resulting in a denial-of-service condition.
— NVD
Libvirt: denial of service in xml parsing
— Microsoft
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
debian/libvirtto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 11.10.0-1
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-12748?
CVE-2025-12748 is considered a high-severity vulnerability due to its potential for exploitation by users with limited permissions.
How do I fix CVE-2025-12748?
To fix CVE-2025-12748, ensure you apply the latest patches and updates provided by the libvirt maintainers.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2025-12748?
CVE-2025-12748 is a flaw in XML file processing related to improper handling of user provided XML files in libvirt.
Who is affected by CVE-2025-12748?
CVE-2025-12748 affects users of the libvirt software that processes user-provided XML files without proper ACL checks.
What can an attacker achieve by exploiting CVE-2025-12748?
An attacker could exploit CVE-2025-12748 to bypass security restrictions and potentially execute unauthorized actions in the system.