CVE-2018-9056
hw: cpu: speculative execution branch predictor side-channel attack
Severity
ModerateRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.0
Review impact separately from score.
Published · March 28, 2018
Updated · June 28, 2026
Description
BranchScope is a new class of attack which leverages functioning of the Branch Prediction Unit (BPU) of a processor to infer/leak sensitive process information, which is involved in the branch decision making (if (x) { x ^ y; } else {x & y;}). In this, BranchScope side-channel could help to infer 'x', by observing prediction patterns of the Branch Prediction Unit (BPU).
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
No mitigation is specified in collected source.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.0 · 5.6CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N
CWE-226 · Sensitive Information in Resource Not Removed Before Reuse