CVE-2006-5836: The fpathconf syscall function in bsd/kern/kern_descrip.c in the Darwin kernel (XNU) 8.8.1 in Apple Mac OS X a

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HIGH 7.2MITIGATE

CVE-2006-5836 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting darwin kernel. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The fpathconf syscall function in bsd/kern/kern_descrip.c in the Darwin kernel (XNU) 8.8.1 in Apple Mac OS X allows local users to cause a denial of service (kernel panic) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a file descriptor with an unrecognized file type.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.3% (top 29%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2006-11-10
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: opendarwin

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2006-11-10 01:07 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:31 UTCUpdated Record last modified

opendarwin darwin kernel MITIGATE

Affected: 8.8.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.8.1

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: Apple Mac OSX 10.x - FPathConf System Call Local 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-2006-5836?

darwin kernel: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2006-5836 being exploited?

CVE-2006-5836 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-2006-5836 affect?

CVE-2006-5836 affects darwin kernel. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). The fpathconf syscall function in bsd/kern/kern_descrip.c in the Darwin kernel (XNU) 8.8.1 in Apple Mac OS X allows local users to cause a denial of service (kernel panic) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a file descriptor with an un

How urgent is CVE-2006-5836?

Priority 48/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

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References

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