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4.9

Linux kernel may crash from local user exploitation

CVE-2007-5500 · published 18 years ago
Summary

The core of Linux systems (versions before 2.6.23.8) mistakenly checks the wrong flag when stopping a process, which lets someone with local access cause the system to stop working. This can lead to a full machine crash. Upgrade the Linux kernel to version 2.6.23.8 or newer to eliminate the risk.

What to do

The CVE record does not list a fixed version. Check the vendor's site or the advisory links below - a fix may already be released.

Affected software
VendorProductAffected versions
linux linux_kernel <= 2.6.23.7
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
The wait_task_stopped function in the Linux kernel before 2.6.23.8 checks a TASK_TRACED bit instead of an exit_state value, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (machine crash) via...
The wait_task_stopped function in the Linux kernel before 2.6.23.8 checks a TASK_TRACED bit instead of an exit_state value, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (machine crash) via unspecified vectors. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
References
Fix within
Internet-facing 60 days
Internal At next upgrade
  • Not known to be exploited
  • Needs hands-on effort to exploit (estimated)
  • Gives an attacker partial control (estimated)
Severity
4.9 Medium
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Timeline
Published20 Nov 2007
Updated4 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2007-5500 · NVD
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