extern unsigned char boot_gdt[];
 #else
 extern unsigned char secondary_startup_64[];
+extern unsigned char secondary_startup_64_no_verify[];
 #endif
 
 static inline size_t real_mode_size_needed(void)
 
        /* Sanitize CPU configuration */
        call verify_cpu
 
+       /*
+        * The secondary_startup_64_no_verify entry point is only used by
+        * SEV-ES guests. In those guests the call to verify_cpu() would cause
+        * #VC exceptions which can not be handled at this stage of secondary
+        * CPU bringup.
+        *
+        * All non SEV-ES systems, especially Intel systems, need to execute
+        * verify_cpu() above to make sure NX is enabled.
+        */
+SYM_INNER_LABEL(secondary_startup_64_no_verify, SYM_L_GLOBAL)
+       UNWIND_HINT_EMPTY
+
        /*
         * Retrieve the modifier (SME encryption mask if SME is active) to be
         * added to the initial pgdir entry that will be programmed into CR3.
 
                th->flags |= TH_FLAGS_SME_ACTIVE;
 
        if (sev_es_active()) {
+               /*
+                * Skip the call to verify_cpu() in secondary_startup_64 as it
+                * will cause #VC exceptions when the AP can't handle them yet.
+                */
+               th->start = (u64) secondary_startup_64_no_verify;
+
                if (sev_es_setup_ap_jump_table(real_mode_header))
                        panic("Failed to get/update SEV-ES AP Jump Table");
        }