CVE-2005-3181

What it is

The audit system in Linux kernel 2.6.6, and other versions before 2.6.13.4, when CONFIG_AUDITSYSCALL is enabled, uses an incorrect function to free names_cache memory, which prevents the memory from being tracked by AUDITSYSCALL code and leads to a memory leak that allows attackers to cause a denial of service (memory consumption).

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2005-10-12 13:04 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:16 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 2.1 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2005-10-12 13:04 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:16 UTC

Exploit probability

0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-401

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel ≤ 2.6.13.3
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 4.10
• Canonical Ubuntu Linux 5.04
• Debian Linux 3.1
• Mandriva Linux 10.1
• Mandriva Linux 10.2
• Mandriva Linux 2006.0

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 2.1

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

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-2005-3181.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2005-3181. 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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