Malicious root users with access to a vCMP guest can disrupt service on adjacent vCMP guests running on the same host. Exploiting this vulnerability causes the vcmpd process on the adjacent vCMP guest to restart and produce a core file. This issue is only exploitable on a vCMP guest which is operating in “host-only” or “bridged” mode. vCMP guests which are “isolated” are not impacted by this issue and do not provide mechanism to exploit the vulnerability. Guests which are deployed in Appliance mode may be impacted; however, the exploit is not possible from an Appliance mode guest. To exploit this vulnerability, root access on a guest system deployed as “host-only” or “bridged” mode is required. (CVE-2018-5518)
Impact
This vulnerability allows an authenticated root user on a vCMP guest to disrupt service on adjacent vCMP guests running on the same host.