VMScape and why Xen dodged it
3 hours ago
- #Security
- #VMScape
- #Xen
- VMScape is a new microarchitectural attack exploiting CPU branch predictors to leak data across virtual machines.
- The attack can target hypervisor userspace components like QEMU in KVM and VMware, but Xen is not vulnerable due to its architecture.
- Xen's design keeps the hypervisor core small, moving device emulation and other components to Dom0, reducing the attack surface.
- Xen's microkernel-like architecture makes it easier to audit and certify, especially in embedded and safety-critical projects.
- Architectural choices in Xen, made years ago, provide inherent security benefits, avoiding certain classes of attacks like VMScape.
- While Xen's design offers resilience, security requires ongoing vigilance as new side channels and vulnerabilities emerge.