CVE-2004-1983: The arch_get_unmapped_area function in mmap.c in the PaX patches for Linux kernel 2.6, when Address Space Layo

Routine

LOW 2.1WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2004-1983 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.1) affecting pax linux, linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The arch_get_unmapped_area function in mmap.c in the PaX patches for Linux kernel 2.6, when Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) is enabled, allows local users to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via unknown attack vectors.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.1 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 39%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-05-02
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gentoo · the pax team

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-05-02 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:08 UTCUpdated Record last modified

the pax team pax linux DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.6.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.6.5

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy pax-linux || rpm -q pax-linux || pax-linux --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.6.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pax-linux sudo apt install pax-linux=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.5> sudo apt-mark hold pax-linux

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list pax-linux sudo dnf downgrade pax-linux-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.6.5> sudo dnf versionlock add pax-linux

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

gentoo linux MITIGATE

Affected: 1.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.4

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: PaX 2.6 Kernel Patch - Denial of Service

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2004-1983?

pax linux: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2004-1983 being exploited?

CVE-2004-1983 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2004-1983 affect?

CVE-2004-1983 affects pax linux, linux. Severity is low (CVSS 2.1). The arch_get_unmapped_area function in mmap.c in the PaX patches for Linux kernel 2.6, when Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) is enabled, allows local users to cause a denial of service (infinite loop) via unknown attack vectors.

How urgent is CVE-2004-1983?

Priority 33/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Linux kernel vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2005-0666 MEDIUM 4.6 DOWNGRADE Unknown vulnerability in PaX from the September 2003 release to 2.2 before 2005.03.05, related to SEGMEXEC or

References

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