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CVE-2009-2692 is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel affecting 2.6.0 through 2.6.30.4 and 2.4.4 through 2.4.37.4. The flaw exists because not all function pointers for socket operations are initialized in proto_ops structures. A local user can trigger dereference of an uninitialized/NULL handler by invoking an unavailable socket operation, demonstrated with the sendpage operation via sock_sendpage on a PF_PPPOX socket. By first using mmap to map page zero and placing attacker-controlled code at that address, the attacker can turn the NULL pointer dereference into controlled kernel-mode code execution and escalate privileges.
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1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (7 hidden).
This repository contains a single Metasploit module (sock_sendpage.rb) that exploits a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel (CVE-2009-2692, also known as 'EXACTCHANGE'). The vulnerability is due to improper initialization in the proto_ops struct, allowing a NULL pointer dereference and arbitrary code execution in kernel context if page 0 is mapped. The exploit targets Linux x86 systems running kernel versions 2.4.4 through 2.4.37.4 and 2.6.0 through 2.6.30.4. The module checks for kernel version, architecture, and the mmap_min_addr setting before attempting exploitation. It generates a custom ELF binary containing shellcode (payload) and writes it to a writable directory (default: /tmp), then executes it to gain root privileges. The payload is customizable via Metasploit and can provide a root shell or meterpreter session. The module is operational and requires local access to the target system. No network endpoints are involved; all actions are performed locally on the compromised host.
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7 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.
Linux kernel 2.6.x-era vulnerability in sock_sendpage leading to a NULL pointer dereference; included in SSHStalker’s legacy local kernel exploit arsenal for privilege escalation on unpatched/legacy systems.
A vulnerability where an unimplemented network socket operation points to an uninitialized handler function, causing a crash via NULL pointer dereference.
A vulnerability chain in which uninitialized function pointers can be dereferenced, allowing code execution.
A local privilege escalation vulnerability in the Linux kernel caused by uninitialized proto_ops socket operation function pointers, enabling arbitrary code execution via a NULL pointer dereference and page-zero mapping.
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Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.
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