Description
The VT implementation (vt_ioctl.c) in Linux kernel 2.6.12, and possibly other versions including 2.6.14.4, allows local users to use the KDSKBSENT ioctl on terminals of other users and gain privileges, as demonstrated by modifying key bindings using loadkeys.
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 3.1 | kernel-source-2.4.27 | 2.4.27-10sarge2 | DSA-1018-1 |
| Debian 3.1 | kernel-source-2.6.8 | 2.6.8-16sarge2 | DSA-1017-1 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 4 | kernel +10 | 2.6.9-55.EL | RHBA-2007:0304 |
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 2.6 - Console Keymap Local Command Injection EDB-26353 · local · Oct 17, 2005 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 3
- RHBA-2007:0304 Red Hat Bug Fix Advisory: Updated kernel packages available for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 Update 5 Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- DSA-1017-1 kernel-source-2.6.8 - several Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- DSA-1018-1 kernel-source-2.4.27 - several Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- MDKSA-2005:235 vendor-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:10615 vdb-entry signature
- MDKSA-2005:220 vendor-advisory
- 19369 third-party-advisory
- 18203 third-party-advisory
- 17226 third-party-advisory
- DSA-1018 vendor-advisory
- http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=334113
- 19185 third-party-advisory
- 15122 vdb-entry
- RHBA-2007-0304 vendor-advisory
- MDKSA-2005:218 vendor-advisory
- 17826 third-party-advisory
- DSA-1017 vendor-advisory
- MDKSA-2005:219 vendor-advisory
- 19374 third-party-advisory
- USN-231-1 vendor-advisory
- 17995 third-party-advisory