Description
Buffer overflow in the Python bindings for the xc_vcpu_setaffinity call in Xen 4.0.x, 4.1.x, and 4.2.x allows local administrators with permissions to configure VCPU affinity to cause a denial of service (memory corruption and xend toolstack crash) and possibly gain privileges via a crafted cpumap.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | xen | 4.2.2-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | xen | 4.2.2-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | xen | 4.2.2-1 | — |
| Debian 7 | xen | 4.1.4-3+deb7u3 | DSA-3041-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
GitHub 1 repository
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bl4ck5un/cve-2013-2072 ★ 0 · Apr 7, 2014
Buffer overflow in the Python bindings for the xc_vcpu_setaffinity call in Xen
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-3041-1 xen - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- 59982 vdb-entry
- FEDORA-2013-8590 vendor-advisory
- [oss-security] 20130517 Xen Security Advisory 56 (CVE-2013-2072) - Buffer overflow in xencontrol Python bindings affecting xend mailing-list
- FEDORA-2013-8571 vendor-advisory
- SUSE-SU-2014:0446 vendor-advisory
- DSA-3041 vendor-advisory
- FEDORA-2013-8513 vendor-advisory