CVE-2026-31788 Details
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)
A vulnerability in the Linux kernel's Xen privcmd driver allows unprivileged user processes in certain guest domains to issue arbitrary hypercalls. This could lead to modifications of kernel memory, potentially disrupting secure boot processes. The issue arises when the privcmd driver is used in an unprivileged domU acting as a device model for another guest, where it can target and affect that other guest. Although the privcmd driver can be restricted to specific domains, this lockdown feature is currently only available through userland, creating a window for exploitation.
The privcmd driver can be configured to restrict hypercalls to specific domains, but this must be done from userland. Ensure that the privcmd driver is locked down to the appropriate target domain before any hypercalls are made.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
No CVSS 4.0 data is available for this CVE.
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
No SSVC data is available for this CVE.
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Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NVD-CWE-noinfo | Insufficient Information to Classify Weakness | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| linux linux kernel | >= 2.6.37.1, < 5.10.253 >= 5.11, < 5.15.203 >= 5.16, < 6.1.167 >= 6.2, < 6.6.130 >= 6.7, < 6.12.78 >= 6.13, < 6.18.20 >= 6.19, < 6.19.10 2.6.37 - 7.0 rc1 7.0 rc2 7.0 rc3 7.0 rc4 7.0 rc5 7.0 rc6 7.0 rc7 |
CPE
Remediation
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Change History
8 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Initial Analysis | [email protected] |
| Apr 18, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Apr 2, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Mar 30, 2026 | CVE Modified | kernel.org |
| Mar 26, 2026 | CVE Modified | CVE |
| Mar 25, 2026 | CVE Modified | CVE |
| Mar 25, 2026 | New CVE Received | kernel.org |