CVE-2004-2536

What it is

The exit_thread function (process.c) in Linux kernel 2.6 through 2.6.5 does not invalidate the per-TSS io_bitmap pointers if a process obtains IO access permissions from the ioperm function but does not drop those permissions when it exits, which allows other processes to access the per-TSS pointers, access restricted memory locations, and possibly gain privileges.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

2.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2004-12-31 05:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:09 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 2.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2004-12-31 05:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:09 UTC

Exploit probability

2.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel 2.6.0
• Linux Kernel 2.6.1
• Linux Kernel 2.6.2
• Linux Kernel 2.6.3
• Linux Kernel 2.6.4
• Linux Kernel 2.6.5

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 7.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Partial

Integrity

Partial

Availability

Partial

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2004-2536.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2004-2536. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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