Description
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 handle a failed call to the mmap function, which causes an incorrect mapped image and may allow local users to 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
- RHSA-2004:537 vendor-advisory
- 20162 third-party-advisory
- linux-elf-setuid-gain-privileges(18025) vdb-entry
- 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
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:9917 vdb-entry signature
- 20338 third-party-advisory