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6.8

Linux kernel may crash host when virtual machines misbehave

CVE-2013-1796 · published 13 years ago
Summary

A part of the Linux kernel (versions up to 3.8.4) that handles the clock shared with virtual machines can be tricked by a guest OS. This can cause the host computer to freeze or restart, disrupting services. Update the kernel to a newer version or apply the available security patch, and run only trusted virtual machines.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
linux linux_kernel <= 3.8.4
3.8.0
3.8.1
3.8.2
3.8.3
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
The kvm_set_msr_common function in arch/x86/kvm/x86.c in the Linux kernel through 3.8.4 does not ensure a required time_page alignment during an MSR_KVM_SYSTEM_TIME operation, which allows guest OS...
The kvm_set_msr_common function in arch/x86/kvm/x86.c in the Linux kernel through 3.8.4 does not ensure a required time_page alignment during an MSR_KVM_SYSTEM_TIME operation, which allows guest OS users to cause a denial of service (buffer overflow and host OS memory corruption) or possibly have unspecified other impact via a crafted application.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 14 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker full control (estimated)
Severity
6.8 Medium
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-119Buffer Overflow
Timeline
Published22 Mar 2013
Updated3 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2013-1796 · NVD
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