CVE-2006-5173

CVE-2006-5173 is a low-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

Linux kernel does not properly save or restore EFLAGS during a context switch, or reset the flags when creating new threads, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (process crash), as demonstrated using a process that sets the Alignment Check flag (EFLAGS 0x40000), which triggers a SIGBUS in other processes that have an unaligned access.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2006-5173?
Linux kernel does not properly save or restore EFLAGS during a context switch, or reset the flags when creating new threads, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (process crash), as demonstrated using a process that sets the Alignment Check flag (EFLAGS 0x40000), which triggers a SIGBUS in other processes that have an unaligned access.
How severe is CVE-2006-5173?
CVE-2006-5173 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1, rated low severity.
Is CVE-2006-5173 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (33rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2006-5173?
CVE-2006-5173 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2006-5173?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2006-5173 published?
CVE-2006-5173 was published on 2006-10-17 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (4)

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