Description
Integer overflow in the vc_resize function in the Linux kernel 2.4 and 2.6 before 2.6.10 allows local users to cause a denial of service (kernel crash) via a short new screen value, which leads to a buffer overflow.
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 |
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 - vc_resize int Local Overflow EDB-690 · dos · Dec 16, 2004 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 4
- 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
- 20041215 fun with linux kernel mailing-list
- USN-47-1 vendor-advisory
- linux-vcresize-dos(18523) vdb-entry
- DSA-1082 vendor-advisory
- SUSE-SA:2005:018 vendor-advisory
- DSA-1070 vendor-advisory
- 20162 third-party-advisory
- http://www.guninski.com/where_do_you_want_billg_to_go_today_2.html
- 11956 vdb-entry
- MDKSA-2005:218 vendor-advisory
- DSA-1067 vendor-advisory
- DSA-1069 vendor-advisory
- 17826 third-party-advisory
- FLSA:152532 vendor-advisory
- MDKSA-2005:219 vendor-advisory
- 20202 third-party-advisory
- 20338 third-party-advisory