CVE-2017-7518: canonical ubuntu_linux Execution with Unnecessary Privileges

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2017-7518 is a high (CVSS 7.8) Execution with Unnecessary Privileges vulnerability in canonical ubuntu_linux. EPSS estimates a 0.67% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 52.1% of scored vulnerabilities.

Timeline

1. 30-07-2018
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 05-08-2024
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

Description

A flaw was found in the Linux kernel before version 4.12 in the way the KVM module processed the trap flag(TF) bit in EFLAGS during emulation of the syscall instruction, which leads to a debug exception(#DB) being raised in the guest stack. A user/process inside a guest could use this flaw to potentially escalate their privileges inside the guest. Linux guests are not affected by this.

• CWE-250Execution with Unnecessary PrivilegesThe product performs an operation at a privilege level that is higher than the minimum level required, which creates new weaknesses or amplifies the consequences of other weaknesses.
• CWE-755Improper Handling of Exceptional ConditionsThe product does not handle or incorrectly handles an exceptional condition.