CVE-2020-36310 : What You Need to Know

An issue was discovered in the Linux kernel before 5.8. arch/x86/kvm/svm/svm.c allows a set_memory_region_test infinite loop for certain nested page faults, aka CID-e72436bc3a52.

Understanding CVE-2020-36310

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in the Linux kernel that could lead to an infinite loop under certain conditions.

What is CVE-2020-36310?

The vulnerability in the Linux kernel before version 5.8 allows for an infinite loop to occur in the svm.c file when handling certain nested page faults, which can be exploited by attackers.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36310

This vulnerability could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to cause a denial of service (DoS) condition on affected systems, leading to system instability or crashes.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36310

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the svm.c file of the Linux kernel, specifically in the handling of nested page faults, resulting in an infinite loop during set_memory_region_test.

Affected Systems and Versions

Linux kernel versions before 5.8 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can trigger this vulnerability by exploiting certain nested page faults, causing the set_memory_region_test function to enter an infinite loop.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-36310 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Linux kernel to version 5.8 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any unusual behavior that could indicate exploitation of this issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Linux kernel and other software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls and network security measures to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by Linux distributions and vendors to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-36310.