Description
The /proc filesystem in Linux allows local users to obtain sensitive information by opening various entries in /proc/self before executing a setuid program, which causes the program to fail to change the ownership and permissions of those entries.
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 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- Linux Kernel 2.2.x/2.4.x - '/proc' Filesystem Information Disclosure EDB-22813 · local · Jun 20, 2003 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
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
- RHSA-2003:238 vendor-advisory
- DSA-423 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2003:198 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2003:239 vendor-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:328 vdb-entry signature
- 20030620 Linux /proc sensitive information disclosure mailing-list
- DSA-358 vendor-advisory