CVE-2026-31788

/// Technical 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 Xenstor

/// Remediation

Check the references section for vendor advisories, patches, and mitigation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.

/// References