Description
The scm_send function in the scm layer for Linux kernel 2.4.x up to 2.4.28, and 2.6.x up to 2.6.9, allows local users to cause a denial of service (system hang) via crafted auxiliary messages that are passed to the sendmsg function, which causes a deadlock condition.
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-sparc-2.4 | 26woody1 | DSA-1070-1 |
| Debian 3.0 | kernel-patch-2.4.19-mips | 2.4.19-0.020911.1.woody5 | DSA-1070-1 |
| Debian 3.0 | kernel-source-2.4.16 | 2.4.16-1woody2 | DSA-1067-1 |
| Debian 3.0 | kernel-source-2.4.17 | 2.4.17-1woody4 | DSA-1082-1 |
| Debian 3.0 | kernel-source-2.4.18 | 2.4.18-14.4 | DSA-1069-1 |
| Debian 3.0 | kernel-source-2.4.19 | 2.4.19-4.woody3 | DSA-1070-1 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 3 | kernel +8 | 2.4.21-27.0.1.EL | RHSA-2004:689 |
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 2.4.28/2.6.9 - 'scm_send Local' Denial of Service EDB-685 · dos · Dec 14, 2004 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 5
- RHSA-2004:689 Red Hat Security Advisory: kernel security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- DSA-1082-1 kernel-source-2.4.17 - several vulnerabilities Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- DSA-1067-1 kernel-source-2.4.16 - several Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- DSA-1069-1 kernel-source-2.4.18 - several Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- DSA-1070-1 kernel-source-2.4.19 - several vulnerabilities Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- 20163 third-party-advisory
- linux-scmsend-dos(18483) vdb-entry
- DSA-1082 vendor-advisory
- MDKSA-2005:022 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2005:017 vendor-advisory
- FLSA:2336 vendor-advisory
- USN-38-1 vendor-advisory
- SUSE-SA:2004:044 vendor-advisory
- DSA-1070 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2004:689 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2005:016 vendor-advisory
- 20162 third-party-advisory
- 11921 vdb-entry
- DSA-1067 vendor-advisory
- DSA-1069 vendor-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:11816 vdb-entry signature
- 20202 third-party-advisory
- http://isec.pl/vulnerabilities/isec-0019-scm.txt
- 20338 third-party-advisory