CVE-2018-1087 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability in the KVM hypervisor in the Linux kernel versions 4.16, 4.16-rc7, 4.17-rc1, 4.17-rc2, and 4.17-rc3 allows unprivileged users to crash the guest or potentially gain elevated privileges.

Understanding CVE-2018-1087

This CVE involves a flaw in the way the Linux kernel's KVM hypervisor handles exceptions during a stack switch operation.

What is CVE-2018-1087?

The vulnerability arises when exceptions are delivered after a stack switch operation using Mov SS or Pop SS instructions, potentially leading to privilege escalation within the guest.

The Impact of CVE-2018-1087

CVSS Score: 8.0 (High Severity)
Attack Vector: Adjacent Network
Attack Complexity: Low
Privileges Required: Low
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Availability Impact: High

Technical Details of CVE-2018-1087

The technical aspects of the vulnerability in detail.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows unprivileged KVM guest users to crash the guest or potentially escalate their privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: KVM
Vendor: Kernel
Affected Versions: Kernel 4.16, 4.16-rc7, 4.17-rc1, 4.17-rc2, 4.17-rc3

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by unprivileged KVM guest users to crash the guest or gain elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2018-1087.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by the vendor promptly.
Monitor vendor advisories for updates and follow best security practices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch systems to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access controls and monitor system activity.

Patching and Updates

Refer to vendor advisories for specific patch details and instructions.