CVE-2022-49886: x86/tdx: Panic on bad configs that #VE on "private" memory access
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved:
x86/tdx: Panic on bad configs that #VE on "private" memory access
All normal kernel memory is "TDX private memory". This includes
everything from kernel stacks to kernel text. Handling
exceptions on arbitrary accesses to kernel memory is essentially
impossible because they can happen in horribly nasty places like
kernel entry/exit. But, TDX hardware can theoretically _deliver_
a virtualization exception (#VE) on any access to private memory.
But, it's not as bad as it sounds. TDX can be configured to never
deliver these exceptions on private memory with a "TD attribute"
called ATTR_SEPT_VE_DISABLE. The guest has no way to *set* this
attribute, but it can check it.
Ensure ATTR_SEPT_VE_DISABLE is set in early boot. panic() if it
is unset. There is no sane way for Linux to run with this
attribute clear so a panic() is appropriate.
There's small window during boot before the check where kernel
has an early #VE handler. But the handler is only for port I/O
and will also panic() as soon as it sees any other #VE, such as
a one generated by a private memory access.
[ dhansen: Rewrite changelog and rebase on new tdx_parse_tdinfo().
Add Kirill's tested-by because I made changes since
he wrote this. ]
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This Linux kernel issue affects Intel TDX guest handling during early boot. If the TDX environment is configured to allow virtualization exceptions on private kernel memory, Linux cannot safely continue and must panic. Business impact is mainly availability for affected TDX-based workloads, not evidence of data theft or active compromise.
Executive priority
Treat as targeted availability risk for TDX-backed Linux workloads. Prioritize if the organization uses Intel TDX or confidential-computing infrastructure; otherwise monitor through normal Linux kernel patch cycles.
Technical view
The fix checks the TDX ATTR_SEPT_VE_DISABLE attribute during early boot and panics if it is unset. Linux treats normal kernel memory as TDX private memory, and arbitrary #VE delivery on private memory is unsafe, especially around kernel entry, exit, stacks, and text.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to Linux systems running as Intel TDX guests on affected kernel versions. The source bundle lists Linux kernel affected data but does not provide CPEs or a complete product matrix.
Exploitation context
No KEV listing is present, and the provided sources do not state active exploitation. The issue describes unsafe operation under a bad TDX configuration rather than a published remote attack path.
Researcher notes
Evidence is limited to the CVE description and stable kernel references. No CVSS, CWE, exploit status, or detailed affected CPE set is provided. The core behavior is a defensive panic on an unsafe TDX attribute state.
Mitigation direction
Check Linux vendor advisories for fixed kernel packages.
Prioritize updates for systems using Intel TDX guests.
Confirm TDX environments set ATTR_SEPT_VE_DISABLE as required.
Avoid relying on unsupported TDX configurations.
Track the referenced stable kernel fixes in patch management.
Validation and detection
Inventory Linux kernels used for TDX guest workloads.
Compare kernel versions against vendor advisory data.
Review boot behavior for unexpected early kernel panics.
Confirm patched kernels include the referenced stable commits.
Document whether Intel TDX is in use in production.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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CVE-2022-49886 mapping review
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These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
0CVSS vectors
3Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links
Vulnerability timeline
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CVE reservedCVE Program
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CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
May 1, 2025, 14:10 UTC (UTC+00:00)
CVE updatedCVE Program
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