CVE-2016-3157

7.8 HIGH
Published: April 12, 2016 Modified: May 06, 2026
View on NVD

Description

The __switch_to function in arch/x86/kernel/process_64.c in the Linux kernel does not properly context-switch IOPL on 64-bit PV Xen guests, which allows local guest OS users to gain privileges, cause a denial of service (guest OS crash), or obtain sensitive information by leveraging I/O port access.

AI Explanation

Get an AI-powered plain-language explanation of this vulnerability and remediation steps.

Login to generate AI explanation

CVSS v3.x Details

0.0 Low Medium High Critical 10.0
Vector String
CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools

Patch Vendor Advisory Exploit Third Party Advisory
http://xenbits.xen.org/xsa/advisory-171.html
Source: cve@mitre.org
Patch Vendor Advisory
http://www.debian.org/security/2016/dsa-3607
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/84594
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1035308
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2968-1
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2968-2
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2969-1
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2970-1
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2971-1
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2971-2
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2971-3
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2996-1
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2997-1
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
http://xenbits.xen.org/xsa/advisory-171.html
Source: af854a3a-2127-422b-91ae-364da2661108
Patch Vendor Advisory

28 reference(s) from NVD

Quick Stats

CVSS v3 Score
7.8 / 10.0
EPSS (Exploit Probability)
0.4%
58th percentile
Exploitation Status
Not in CISA KEV

Weaknesses (CWE)

Affected Vendors

xen canonical