How severe is CVE-2006-4663?

CVE-2006-4663 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2006-4663 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (25th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2006-4663?

CVE-2006-4663 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2006-4663?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2006-4663 published?

CVE-2006-4663 was published on 2006-09-09 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2006-4663

CVE-2006-4663 is a high-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (25th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
Published: 2006-09-09
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The source code tar archive of the Linux kernel 2.6.16, 2.6.17.11, and possibly other versions specifies weak permissions (0666 and 0777) for certain files and directories, which might allow local users to insert Trojan horse source code that would be used during the next kernel compilation. NOTE: another researcher disputes the vulnerability, stating that he finds "Not a single world-writable file or directory." CVE analysis as of 20060908 indicates that permissions will only be weak under certain unusual or insecure scenarios

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2006-4663?: The source code tar archive of the Linux kernel 2.6.16, 2.6.17.11, and possibly other versions specifies weak permissions (0666 and 0777) for certain files and directories, which might allow local users to insert Trojan horse source code that would be used during the next kernel compilation. NOTE: another researcher disputes the vulnerability, stating that he finds "Not a single world-writable file or directory." CVE analysis as of 20060908 indicates that permissions will only be weak under certain unusual or insecure scenarios
How severe is CVE-2006-4663?: CVE-2006-4663 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2006-4663 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (25th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2006-4663?: CVE-2006-4663 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2006-4663?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2006-4663 published?: CVE-2006-4663 was published on 2006-09-09 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.6.16:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.6.17.11:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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