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I am using libvirt with qemu-kvm to manage virtual machines. The guest makes a vmcall which I want to be notified of, e.g. via a callback function. I know it's possible with 'pure' KVM, but does the libvirt API provide functions to handle a vmcall (or other vm exits)?

Thanks

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A 'vmcall' is a low level instruction for a guest to trap into the hypervisor and as such will always be handled by KVM and/or QEMU. It is not visible to mgmt software like libvirt or anything above that. If you want the guest to interact with mgmt software on the host it is better to use a higher level communications channel. Assuming networking is not an option, then virtio-serial provides a simple stream for apps to use. This is what guest services like the QEMU guest agent, and SPICE agent use to talk to the host.

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  • Thanks, I thought so. Are the virtio-serial ports secure tough? But yes you are correct, I need a way to talk to the host. – DaOnlyOwner Apr 23 at 9:04
  • Anyways I am using virtio now. Thanks for the pointer – DaOnlyOwner Apr 23 at 9:58
  • A virtio-serial device is secure - only the guest to which it is assigned can use it, and of course the host. Nothing off-host, nor other guests can see it. So to snoop on it you would have to be root in the host, which is already a privileged account. – DanielB May 3 at 11:14

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