CVE-2009-1046

What it is

The console selection feature in the Linux kernel 2.6.28 before 2.6.28.4, 2.6.25, and possibly earlier versions, when the UTF-8 console is used, allows physically proximate attackers to cause a denial of service (memory corruption) by selecting a small number of 3-byte UTF-8 characters, which triggers an "off-by-two memory error." NOTE: it is not clear whether this issue crosses privilege boundaries.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.8% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2009-03-23 16:30 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 23:06 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.8% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 4.7 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2009-03-23 16:30 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:06 UTC

Exploit probability

0.8% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-399

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Linux Kernel 2.6.25
• Linux Kernel 2.6.28
• Linux Kernel 2.6.28.1
• Linux Kernel 2.6.28.2
• Linux Kernel 2.6.28.3

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 4.7

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

Complete

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-2009-1046.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2009-1046. 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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