CVE-2004-0554: Linux kernel 2.4.x and 2.6.x for x86 allows local users to cause a denial of service (system crash), possib...

Security readout for executives and security teams

This old Linux kernel flaw lets a local user crash an x86 system. It is mainly a business risk for legacy servers, shared hosting, lab systems, and appliances where untrusted users can run local code. Exposure is most likely on unsupported or embedded Linux systems still using 2.4.x or 2.6.x x86 kernels. Modern maintained distributions are unlikely to be affected if kernel security updates were applied. Prioritize if the organization still runs legacy Linux or shared systems with local user access. Otherwise, treat as a historical hygiene item and confirm unsupported kernels are not present. Mitigation focus: Inventory x86 Linux hosts still running 2.4.x or 2.6.x kernels.; Apply the relevant vendor kernel security updates for affected distributions.; Retire or isolate unsupported legacy Linux systems that cannot be patched..

Prepared

Jun 30, 2026, 05:41 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.