SUMMARY: error message

Original Question
-----------------

>18:21:55 florence unix: elfexec error doing common
>Jul  4 18:21:56 florence unix: /kernel/exec/elfexec: undefined 
symbolpr_getsegsize
>
>Jul  4 21:58:37 florence inetd[7869]: execv /usr/sbin/tcpd: Exec format error
>
>And pretty much constant.
>
>Anyone seen these errors? What do they mean? Any reason to suspect we have
>been hacked? (is there an easy way to tell even?)


Most plausible answer
---------------------

bug id 4247715 describes an issue like this:


2.6 Kernel patch 105181-14 may cause undefined symbol errors in elfexec if it
is applied during run level 2 and before the system has come up to run level 3.
The kernel patch installed as a custom script in rc2.d or rc3.d will fail as
soon as rc3 has completed and the "The system is ready" message appears.
In fact the undefined symbol errors are generated on the console as soon
as the system completes the run level 3 startup.
Some customised jumpstart configurations setup scripts in rc2 so that
final preparation of the machine can be made before a CDE login is
presented to the user.
Error messages on the console such as :-
/kernel/exec/elfexec: undefined symbol pr_getsegsize
elfexec error doing common
and later on -
INIT: Command
"exec /usr/lib/saf/sac -t 300"
 failed to execute.  errno = 8 (exec of shell failed)
INIT: Command
"exec /usr/lib/saf/ttymon -g -h -p "`uname -n` console login: " -T sun -d
/dev/console -l console -m ldterm,ttcompat"
 failed to execute.  errno = 8 (exec of shell failed)
are symptomatic.
init is unable to start any processes, and the machine is unable to
function.
A reboot will be required, after which the machine is operational.


Other bugs/calls mention installing patches in multiuser mode. Did you do this?

If so here's a slap wrists

<SLAP>

Many thanks to Justin Stringfellow, it seems this is the best explanation
;-)


Also thanks to numerous others who replied so quickly with suggestions -
too many to name individually ;-)

Thanks again guys, have a nice day.

Mark Mahabir
Leicester, UK.