[Python-Dev] Challenge: Please break this! (a.k.a restricted mode revisited)

[Anders Munch]

Steven D'Aprano:
> although I must admit I don't understand why the entire OS is effected.

A consequence of memory overcommit, I'd wager.  The crasher code not only allocates vast swathes of memory, but accesses it as well, which is bad news for Linux with overcommit enabled. When the OS runs out of backing store to handle page faults, anything can happen.
 
- Anders