Description
The Linux kernel through 3.7.9 allows local users to obtain sensitive information about keystroke timing by using the inotify API on the /dev/ptmx device.
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 14 | linux | 3.8.12-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | linux | 3.8.12-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | linux | 3.8.12-1 | — |
| Debian 7 | linux | 3.2.41-2+deb7u2 | DSA-2669-1 |
SUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLES 11 SP4 | kernel-ec2 +8 | 3.0.101-108.90.1 | SUSE-SU-2019:14051-1 |
openSUSE
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| openSUSE Tumbleweed | kernel-source | 4.8.13-1.1 | openSUSE-SU-2024:10128-1 |
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 2.6.32-5 (Debian 6.0.5) - '/dev/ptmx' Key Stroke Timing Local Disclosure EDB-24459 · local · Feb 5, 2013
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 3
- DSA-2669-1 linux - several Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
- openSUSE-SU-2024:10128-1 kernel-debug-4.8.13-1.1 on GA media SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
- SUSE-SU-2019:14051-1 Security update for the Linux Kernel SUSE / openSUSE Security Updates · Feb 4, 2026
References
- openSUSE-SU-2013:1187 vendor-advisory
- [oss-security] 20130107 Re: /dev/ptmx timing mailing-list
- USN-2129-1 vendor-advisory
- USN-2128-1 vendor-advisory
- openSUSE-SU-2013:0395 vendor-advisory
- SUSE-SU-2013:0674 vendor-advisory
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=892983
- openSUSE-SU-2013:0925 vendor-advisory
- SUSE-SU-2013:1182 vendor-advisory