Description
The VFAT compat ioctls in the Linux kernel before 2.6.21.2, when run on a 64-bit system, allow local users to corrupt a kernel_dirent struct and cause a denial of service (system crash) via unknown vectors.
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 4.0 | linux-2.6 | 2.6.18.dfsg.1-17etch1 | DSA-1479-1 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 5 | kernel +10 | 2.6.18-8.1.10.el5 | RHSA-2007:0705 |
| RHEL 4 | kernel +10 | 2.6.9-55.0.12.EL | RHSA-2007:0939 |
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.x - VFat Compat IOCTLS Local Denial of Service EDB-30080 · dos · May 24, 2007 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 3
- RHSA-2007:0705 Red Hat Security Advisory: kernel security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- RHSA-2007:0939 Red Hat Security Advisory: kernel security update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- DSA-1479-1 linux-2.6 Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:11674 vdb-entry signature
- 27747 third-party-advisory
- http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v2.6/ChangeLog-2.6.21.2
- kernel-vfatioctls-dos(34669) vdb-entry
- RHSA-2007:0939 vendor-advisory
- 28626 third-party-advisory
- DSA-1479 vendor-advisory
- USN-510-1 vendor-advisory
- 35926 vdb-entry
- http://support.avaya.com/elmodocs2/security/ASA-2007-474.htm
- ADV-2007-2023 vdb-entry
- 26760 third-party-advisory
- RHSA-2007:0705 vendor-advisory
- USN-489-1 vendor-advisory
- 25505 third-party-advisory
- 24134 vdb-entry
- USN-486-1 vendor-advisory
- 27436 third-party-advisory
- 26139 third-party-advisory
- 26133 third-party-advisory