Cannot execute binary file

As root, I receive the error message, "cannot execute binary file" when running some commands such as /usr/bin/clear or /usr/sbin/brctl or /usr/sbin/lsof. The system is running RHEL5.5. File permissions are 755. noexec is NOT set on the partitions where these files live.

I've spent a considerable amount of time googling and trying different things but with no luck. Can someone help?

can you write output ?

# file /usr/bin/clear

Here is the output you requested using the file command. "/usr/bin/clear: ELF 64-bit LSB executable, AMD x86-64, version 1 (SYSV), for GNU/Linux 2.6.9, dynamically linked (uses shared libs), for GNU/Linux 2.6.9, stripped."

Thank you.

try

# rpm -V ncurses

Here's the rmp -V ncurses output: "Unsatisfied dependencies for ncurses-5.5-24.20060715.x86_64: libc.so.6()(64bit), libc.so.6(GLIBC_2.2.5)(64bit), libc.so.6(GLIBC_2.3)(64bit), libc.so.6(GLIB_2.3.4)(64bit), libc.so.6(GLIBC_2.4)(64bit), libdl.so.2()(64bit), libdl.so2(GLIBC_2.2.5)(64bit)
S.?. . . . /usr/lib/libncurses.so.5.5
S.?. . . . /usr/lib/libncursesw.so.5.5

My guess is that I'm missing something such as libraries, correct?

S.?. . . . /usr/lib/libncurses.so.5.5
S.?. . . . /usr/lib/libncursesw.so.5.5

File size is changed by intentionally or unintentionally from someone (or because of file system corrupt) may be authoritative or unauthoritative logins..
Check your system security log..
If you are only admin in system firstly change root password to new complex one and check your system for sec updates from RHN and be sure not unauthorized initiatives..

And check the file size from another RHEL 5.5 system..If you find the different size then try re-install rpm `--force` ncurses package..

I have been uninstalling the packages and reinstalling them, for example ncurses. Things are working now. Thank you for your help. . . . and I will change the password as well