Vulnerability identifier: #VU73892

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv3.1: 6.3 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-42331

CWE-ID: CWE-1037

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
Xen
Server applications / Virtualization software

Vendor: Xen Project

Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to an oversight in the very original Spectre/Meltdown security work (XSA-254) caused by an unprotected RET instruction. An attacker with access to the guest OS can infer the contents of arbitrary host memory, including memory assigned to other guests.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Xen: All versions

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External links
http://xenbits.xenproject.org/xsa/advisory-429.txt
http://xenbits.xen.org/xsa/advisory-429.html
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2023/03/21/3

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote authenticated privileged user via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.