CVE-2005-0176: The shmctl function in Linux 2.6.9 and earlier allows local users to unlock the memory of other processes,...

Security readout for executives and security teams

This is an old Linux kernel local confidentiality issue. A logged-in user may be able to force memory locked by another process to become swappable, increasing the chance secrets land on disk and are later recoverable after release. It matters mainly for legacy Linux systems with local users or shared hosting. Exposure is most plausible on obsolete Linux 2.6.9-or-earlier systems, especially shared servers, shell hosts, and appliances with untrusted local users. Modern maintained Linux distributions are unlikely to run these affected kernels, but legacy embedded or unsupported systems should be verified. Prioritize as a legacy exposure cleanup item, not an internet-wide emergency based on current evidence. Act quickly if affected systems allow local users or process regulated secrets; otherwise fold verification into unsupported-operating-system risk reduction. Mitigation focus: Inventory Linux hosts running kernel 2.6.9 or earlier.; Apply relevant vendor kernel updates from Red Hat, Ubuntu, Conectiva, or SGI guidance.; Prioritize shared or multi-user systems before single-user legacy hosts..

Prepared

Jun 30, 2026, 00:39 UTC (UTC+00:00)

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