HighPublic exploit

Privilege Escalation via do_mremap in Linux Kernel

IdentifiersCVE-2004-0077CWE-754

A vulnerability in the do_mremap function of the Linux kernel (versions 2.2 to 2.2.25, 2.4 to 2.4.24, and 2.6 to 2.6.2) arises from improper checking of the return value from the do_munmap function when the maximum number of VMA descriptors is exceeded. This flaw allows a local user to exploit the mremap system call to gain root privileges. The vulnerability is distinct from CAN-2003-0985.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows a local attacker to escalate privileges to root, potentially leading to full system compromise.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

Restrict local shell access to trusted users only until the kernel can be upgraded. Consider using kernel hardening patches or mandatory access controls to limit the impact of local privilege escalation.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade to a patched version of the Linux kernel (2.2.26, 2.4.25, 2.6.3 or later) where the do_mremap function properly checks the return value from do_munmap and handles VMA descriptor limits correctly.

PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (2 hidden).

VALID 1 / 3 TOTALView more in app

2004MaturityOperationalVerified exploit

This eight-file repository is a small collection of three standalone historical Linux kernel local privilege-escalation exploits, with one README per exploit, a top-level README, and an MIT license. It contains three C programs using direct Linux syscalls, fixed memory mappings, and x86-specific assumptions; it is not tied to an exploit framework. CVE-2004-0077/160.c exploits a missing do_munmap return-value check reachable through mremap. It exhausts VMAs, remaps attacker-controlled page-table entries into a SUID program image, and runs embedded credential-resetting shellcode. CVE-2004-1235/744.c targets the binfmt_elf uselib VMA insertion race, performs VMA/SLAB manipulation and race timing, and exposes options for command, library path, mapping address, timing, and SMP iteration tuning. caps_to_root/15916.c is a later CAP_SYS_ADMIN-to-root exploit against a signedness error in the Linux Phonet protocol: it resolves kernel symbols, creates fake userspace structures at fixed mappings, redirects a Phonet ioctl path to a copied kernel payload, calls commit_creds(prepare_kernel_cred(0)), and opens a root shell. No remote network endpoint or command-and-control infrastructure is present; PF_PHONET is a local kernel socket interface.

0b0111100Disclosed Sep 7, 2026cx86 assemblylocal

EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType

LinuxLinux Kerneloperating_system

NetwosixNetwosix Linuxoperating_system

Red HatBigmem Kernelapplication

Red HatKernelapplication

Red HatKernel Docapplication

Red HatKernel Sourceapplication

TrustixSecure Linuxoperating_system

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

1 sources tracked across advisories and community write-ups. News coverage will land here when it surfaces.

1 SOURCESView more in app

No news coverage yet. Advisories and community discussion only.

What this page doesn’t show

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Exposure mapping

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Threat actor evidence

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity