CVE-2010-3904 Linux Kernel Improper Input Validation Vulnerability
Linux Kernel contains an improper input validation vulnerability in the Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) protocol implementation that allows local users to gain privileges via crafted use of the sendmsg and recvmsg system calls.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 12 May 2023.
- Rated High severity (CVSS 7.8, scored by CISA).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,274 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
The rds_page_copy_user function in net/rds/page.c in the Reliable Datagram Sockets (RDS) protocol implementation in the Linux kernel before 2.6.36 does not properly validate addresses obtained from user space, which allows local users to gain privileges via crafted use of the sendmsg and recvmsg system calls.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for Linux Kernel. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
Fix it
The impacted product is end-of-life and should be disconnected if still in use.
Vulnerability Management - 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2010-3904 and every other exploited flaw on the list.
Sources
- CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue
- NVD: CVE-2010-3904
- CVE record: CVE-2010-3904
- FIRST EPSS
- lkml.iu.edu/hypermail/linux/kernel/1601.3/06474.html
- kb.cert.org/vuls/id/362983
- vsecurity.com/download/tools/linux-rds-exploit.c
- ubuntu.com/usn/USN-1000-1
- securityfocus.com/archive/1/520102/100/0/threaded
- secunia.com/advisories/46397
- git.kernel.org/?p=linux/kernel/git/torvalds/linux-2.6.git%3Ba=commit%3Bh=799c10559d60f159ab2232203f2
- exploit-db.com/exploits/44677/
