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6.5

QEMU can run out of memory causing host crash

CVE-2017-5579 · published 9 years ago
Summary

QEMU does not correctly release memory when many virtual serial devices are unplugged. A user with high privileges inside a virtual machine can trigger this repeatedly, eventually using up host memory and crashing the QEMU process. Update QEMU to the latest version or apply the released patch, and limit privileged users inside 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
qemu qemu <= 2.8.1.1
2.9.0
cpe:2.3:a:qemu:qemu:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
debian debian_linux 8.0
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:8.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
Memory leak in the serial_exit_core function in hw/char/serial.c in QEMU (aka Quick Emulator) allows local guest OS privileged users to cause a denial of service (host memory consumption and QEMU p...
Memory leak in the serial_exit_core function in hw/char/serial.c in QEMU (aka Quick Emulator) allows local guest OS privileged users to cause a denial of service (host memory consumption and QEMU process crash) via a large number of device unplug operations.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 60 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)
Severity
6.5 Medium
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-401Memory Leak
Timeline
Published15 Mar 2017
Updated4 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2017-5579 · NVD
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