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2.1

Linux kernel can be forced to halt by OOM killer

CVE-2010-1488 · published 16 years ago
Summary

The Linux kernel version before 2.6.34‑rc4 may choose the wrong process when memory runs out, allowing a local user to create processes in a certain way that triggers the out‑of‑memory killer. This can cause the system to stop working or restart unexpectedly. Update the kernel to a newer version or apply the available patches to prevent the issue.

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 <= 2.6.34
2.6.0
2.6.1
2.6.2
2.6.3
2.6.4
2.6.5
2.6.6
2.6.7
2.6.8
2.6.8.1
2.6.9
122 more version ranges
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:rc3:*:*:*:*:*:*
Original advisory text
The proc_oom_score function in fs/proc/base.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.34-rc4 uses inappropriate data structures during selection of a candidate for the OOM killer, which might allow local us...
The proc_oom_score function in fs/proc/base.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.34-rc4 uses inappropriate data structures during selection of a candidate for the OOM killer, which might allow local users to cause a denial of service via unspecified patterns of task creation.
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
2.1 Low
Exploitation
<1% chance of attack within 30 days
Type
CWE-399Resource Management Errors
Timeline
Published20 Apr 2010
Updated4 Nov 2026
First seen29 Sep 2026
Sources
CVE-2010-1488 · NVD
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