CVE Catalog

CVE-2016-4440

High
Published: Translated: NVD NIST

Summary

In the Linux kernel up to version 4.6.3, there is a flaw in handling the APICv on/off state, allowing guest OS users to gain direct APIC MSR access on the host OS. This can lead to host OS crashes or potentially executing arbitrary code on the host OS.

Risk Assessment

This vulnerability poses a risk of host OS crashes and the potential execution of malicious code, which can lead to serious security implications for the organization.

Recommendation

It is recommended to update the Linux kernel to version 4.6.4 or later to mitigate this vulnerability and to monitor systems for potential exploitation attempts.

Related vulnerabilities

Original NVD description (English source)

arch/x86/kvm/vmx.c in the Linux kernel through 4.6.3 mishandles the APICv on/off state, which allows guest OS users to obtain direct APIC MSR access on the host OS, and consequently cause a denial of service (host OS crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code on the host OS, via x2APIC mode.

Vulnerability data from NVD (NIST) · CISA KEV · EPSS