Use After Free in Linux Kernel

CVE-2018-16882

A use-after-free issue was found in the way the Linux kernel's KVM hypervisor processed posted interrupts when nested(=1) virtualization is enabled. In nested_get_vmcs12_pages(), in case of an error while processing posted interrupt address, it unmaps the 'pi_desc_page' without resetting 'pi_desc' descriptor address, which is later used in pi_test_and_clear_on(). A guest user/process could use this flaw to crash the host kernel resulting in DoS or potentially gain privileged access to a system. Kernel versions before 4.14.91 and before 4.19.13 are vulnerable.

Vulnerability class: Use-After-Free

EPSS: 0.004 (28.6th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.

CVSS v3 metric

CVSS v3 base score 8.8 (High). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Affected products

Weakness classification (CWE)

References

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2018-16882?
CVE-2018-16882 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Kernel, classified under Use After Free. CVSS score: 8.8/10. Published 2019-01-03.
How severe is CVE-2018-16882?
High severity. CVSS v3 base score is 8.8 out of 10.