HIGH · 8.2

CVE-2026-31788

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xen/privcmd: restrict usage in unprivileged domU The Xen privcmd driver allows to issue arbitrary hypercalls from user space proce...

Vulnerability Description

In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xen/privcmd: restrict usage in unprivileged domU The Xen privcmd driver allows to issue arbitrary hypercalls from user space processes. This is normally no problem, as access is usually limited to root and the hypervisor will deny any hypercalls affecting other domains. In case the guest is booted using secure boot, however, the privcmd driver would be enabling a root user process to modify e.g. kernel memory contents, thus breaking the secure boot feature. The only known case where an unprivileged domU is really needing to use the privcmd driver is the case when it is acting as the device model for another guest. In this case all hypercalls issued via the privcmd driver will target that other guest. Fortunately the privcmd driver can already be locked down to allow only hypercalls targeting a specific domain, but this mode can be activated from user land only today. The target domain can be obtained from Xenstore, so when not running in dom0 restrict the privcmd driver to that target domain from the beginning, resolving the potential problem of breaking secure boot. This is XSA-482 --- V2: - defer reading from Xenstore if Xenstore isn't ready yet (Jan Beulich) - wait in open() if target domain isn't known yet - issue message in case no target domain found (Jan Beulich)

CVSS Score

8.2

HIGH

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack Vector
LOCAL
Attack Complexity
LOW
Privileges Required
HIGH
User Interaction
NONE
Scope
CHANGED
Confidentiality
HIGH
Integrity
HIGH
Availability
HIGH

Affected Products

VendorProductVersions
LinuxLinux Kernel>= 2.6.37.1, < 5.10.253

References

FAQ

What is CVE-2026-31788?

CVE-2026-31788 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.2 (HIGH). In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: xen/privcmd: restrict usage in unprivileged domU The Xen privcmd driver allows to issue arbitrary hypercalls from user space proce...

How severe is CVE-2026-31788?

CVE-2026-31788 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.2/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.

Is there a patch for CVE-2026-31788?

Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Linux Linux Kernel.