Linux Kernel PTraced Child Auto-Reap Local Denial of Service Vulnerability

Linux Kernel PTraced Child Auto-Reap Local Denial of Service Vulnerability

Linux kernel is prone to a local denial-of-service vulnerability. The kernel improperly auto-reaps processes when they are being ptraced, leading to an invalid pointer. Further operations on this pointer result in a kernel crash.

This issue allows local users to crash the kernel, denying service to legitimate users.

A complete compromise of the affected computer has also been reported, but this has not been confirmed.

Kernel versions prior to 2.6.15 are vulnerable to this issue.