Description
Linux kernel 2.4.10 through 2.4.21-pre4 does not properly handle the O_DIRECT feature, which allows local attackers with write privileges to read portions of previously deleted files, or cause file system corruption.
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 3.0 | kernel-image-2.4.17-ia64 | kernel-image-2.4.17-ia64 | DSA-423 |
| Debian 3.0 | kernel-image-2.4.18-1-alpha | 2.4.18-8 | DSA-358-1 |
| Debian 3.0 | kernel-image-2.4.18-1-i386 | 2.4.18-9 | DSA-358-1 |
| Debian 3.0 | kernel-image-2.4.18-i386bf | 2.4.18-5woody2 | DSA-358-1 |
| Debian 3.0 | kernel-source-2.4.18 | 2.4.18-11 | DSA-358-1 |
Advisories 2
- DSA-423 linux-kernel-2.4.17-ia64 - several vulnerabilities Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- DSA-358-1 linux-kernel-2.4.18 - several vulnerabilities Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- DSA-423 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2003:025 vendor-advisory
- linux-odirect-information-leak(11249) vdb-entry
- MDKSA-2003:014 vendor-advisory
- 6763 vdb-entry
- http://linux.bkbits.net:8080/linux-2.4/cset%403e2f193drGJDBg9SG6JwaDQwCBnAMQ
- DSA-358 vendor-advisory