Description
The shmem_getpage function (mm/shmem.c) in Linux kernel 2.6.11 through 2.6.23 does not properly clear allocated memory in some rare circumstances related to tmpfs, which might allow local users to read sensitive kernel data or cause a denial of service (crash).
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 | fai-kernels | 1.17+etch.13etch6 | DSA-1436-1 |
| Debian 4.0 | linux-2.6 | 2.6.18.dfsg.1-13etch6 | DSA-1436-1 |
| Debian 4.0 | user-mode-linux | 2.6.18-1um-2etch.13etch6 | DSA-1436-1 |
Red Hat
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHEL 5 | kernel +12 | 2.6.18-92.1.13.el5 | RHSA-2008:0885 |
Advisories 2
- RHSA-2008:0885 Red Hat Security Advisory: kernel security and bug fix update Red Hat Security Advisories (RHSA) · Jun 26, 2026
- DSA-1436-1 linux-2.6 fai-kernels user-mode-linux - several vulnerabilities Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- RHSA-2008:0885 vendor-advisory
- [linux-kernel] 20071212 Re: [PATCH] tmpfs: restore missing clear_highpage mailing-list
- [linux-kernel] 20071128 [PATCH] tmpfs: restore missing clear_highpage mailing-list
- 28806 third-party-advisory
- [linux-kernel] 20071215 Re: [PATCH] tmpfs: restore missing clear_highpage mailing-list
- DSA-1436 vendor-advisory
- 28141 third-party-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:8920 vdb-entry signature
- 28706 third-party-advisory
- MDVSA-2008:112 vendor-advisory
- 27694 vdb-entry
- MDVSA-2008:086 vendor-advisory
- 32023 third-party-advisory
- SUSE-SA:2008:006 vendor-advisory
- USN-574-1 vendor-advisory
- 28971 third-party-advisory
- USN-578-1 vendor-advisory
- 44120 vdb-entry