Description
The open_exec function in the execve functionality (exec.c) in Linux kernel 2.4.x up to 2.4.27, and 2.6.x up to 2.6.8, allows local users to read non-readable ELF binaries by using the interpreter (PT_INTERP) functionality.
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-2005:293, RHSA-2004:549 |
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 2.4.27/2.6.8 - 'binfmt_elf' Executable File Read EDB-624 · local · Nov 10, 2004 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 6
- RHSA-2004:549 Red Hat Security Advisory: kernel security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 29, 2026
- RHSA-2005:293 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
- 18684 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
- DSA-1070 vendor-advisory
- 20162 third-party-advisory
- linux-elf-setuid-gain-privileges(18025) vdb-entry
- RHSA-2006:0190 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2004:549 vendor-advisory
- DSA-1067 vendor-advisory
- 11646 vdb-entry
- DSA-1069 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2005:293 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2004:505 vendor-advisory
- 20202 third-party-advisory
- RHSA-2004:504 vendor-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:11503 vdb-entry signature
- RHSA-2006:0191 vendor-advisory
- 20338 third-party-advisory