Use SYSFS to read MSR_SEV_STATUS #88
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The function is only ever used to read the SEV_STATUS MSR, so rename it and hard-code the function parameters. This helps adding alternative means to read SEV_STATUS. Signed-off-by: Joerg Roedel <[email protected]>
Since reading MSRs using the Linux MSR kernel module is generally discouraged and disabled by default in many Linux distributions, add another way of reading the SEV_STATUS value via SYSFS. If that does not work the MSR module is still used as a fall-back. Signed-off-by: Joerg Roedel <[email protected]>
The MSR module does not only give access to SEV_STATUS, but to all MSRs, including those that can affect system stability and security. |
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I don't have any arguments against using the sysfs approach. One reason we were leaning so heavily on the MSR implementation is that 1) there was no other implementation, and 2) the MSR in question is a protected MSR. DO you know if the method of providing this through sysfs will be protected from hypervisor modification, as well? |
There is no change in security by using SYSFS instead of the MSR module, as there is also no guarantee that the MSR module behaves correctly and does actually read the MSR in question. |
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Avoid using the insecure MSR kernel module and use a file in SYSFS to read the SEV_STATUS MSR.
This is a draft PR as the SYSFS support patch is still under discussion here