CVE-2012-4461

What it is

The KVM subsystem in the Linux kernel before 3.6.9, when running on hosts that use qemu userspace without XSAVE, allows local users to cause a denial of service (kernel OOPS) by using the KVM_SET_SREGS ioctl to set the X86_CR4_OSXSAVE bit in the guest cr4 register, then calling the KVM_RUN ioctl.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

No patch or advisory is linked yet. Look at mitigations or restrict exposure.

Timeline

1. 2013-01-22 23:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 23:45 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 1.9 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: none linked yet, which raises it.

Details

Published

2013-01-22 23:55 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:45 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel ≤ 3.6.8
• Linux Kernel 3.6
• Linux Kernel 3.6.1
• Linux Kernel 3.6.2
• Linux Kernel 3.6.3
• Linux Kernel 3.6.4
• Linux Kernel 3.6.5
• Linux Kernel 3.6.6

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 1.9

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

Partial

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2012-4461.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2012-4461. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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