CVE-2020-27152 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An issue was discovered in ioapic_lazy_update_eoi in arch/x86/kvm/ioapic.c in the Linux kernel before 5.9.2. It has an infinite loop related to improper interaction between a resampler and edge triggering, aka CID-77377064c3a9.

Understanding CVE-2020-27152

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can lead to an infinite loop due to improper interaction between components.

What is CVE-2020-27152?

The vulnerability is located in the ioapic_lazy_update_eoi function in the Linux kernel, specifically in the arch/x86/kvm/ioapic.c file before version 5.9.2. The issue arises from incorrect handling of interactions between a resampler and edge triggering.

The Impact of CVE-2020-27152

The vulnerability can be exploited to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition by triggering an infinite loop in the affected system. This could potentially lead to system instability or unresponsiveness.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-27152

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a flaw in the ioapic_lazy_update_eoi function, leading to an infinite loop due to incorrect handling of interactions between a resampler and edge triggering.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue affects the Linux kernel versions prior to 5.9.2.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to the affected system, triggering the infinite loop and causing a DoS condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-27152, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary patches provided by the Linux kernel maintainers.
Monitor for any unusual system behavior that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep systems up to date with the latest security patches and updates.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates from the Linux kernel team and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.