CVE-2011-3149

2.1 LOW 0.5% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

The _expand_arg function in the pam_env module (modules/pam_env/pam_env.c) in Linux-PAM (aka pam) before 1.1.5 does not properly handle when environment variable expansion can overflow, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption).

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. Limited direct impact.
Exploit odds: 0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2012-07-22 17:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-16 23:32 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.5% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 2.1 LOW (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2012-07-22 17:55 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-16 23:32 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.5% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-119 · Buffer errors
Record status: Modified

Affected

linux-pam ≤ 1.1.4
linux-pam 0.99.1.0
linux-pam 0.99.2.0
linux-pam 0.99.2.1
linux-pam 0.99.3.0
linux-pam 0.99.4.0
linux-pam 0.99.5.0
linux-pam 0.99.6.0

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 2.1

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: Low
Authentication: None
Confidentiality: None
Integrity: None
Availability: Partial

Raw vector

AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:N/A:P

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2011-3149.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2011-3149. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record