Description
The load_elf_binary function in the binfmt_elf loader (binfmt_elf.c) in Linux kernel 2.4.x up to 2.4.27, and 2.6.x up to 2.6.8, does not properly check return values from calls to the kernel_read function, which may allow local users to modify sensitive memory in a setuid program and execute arbitrary code.
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 | 2.4.21-20.0.1.EL | RHSA-2004:549 |
Advisories 5
- RHSA-2004:549 Red Hat Security Advisory: kernel security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 29, 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
- DSA-1082 vendor-advisory
- MDKSA-2005:022 vendor-advisory
- http://www.isec.pl/vulnerabilities/isec-0017-binfmt_elf.txt
- FLSA:2336 vendor-advisory
- 19607 third-party-advisory
- DSA-1070 vendor-advisory
- 20162 third-party-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:9450 vdb-entry signature
- linux-elf-setuid-gain-privileges(18025) vdb-entry
- RHSA-2004:549 vendor-advisory
- DSA-1067 vendor-advisory
- 11646 vdb-entry
- DSA-1069 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2004:505 vendor-advisory
- 20202 third-party-advisory
- RHSA-2004:504 vendor-advisory
- 20338 third-party-advisory