CVE-2011-4080

4.0 MEDIUM 0.3% exploit odds Fix listed

What it is

The sysrq_sysctl_handler function in kernel/sysctl.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.39 does not require the CAP_SYS_ADMIN capability to modify the dmesg_restrict value, which allows local users to bypass intended access restrictions and read the kernel ring buffer by leveraging root privileges, as demonstrated by a root user in a Linux Containers (aka LXC) environment.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited locally on the machine without logging in. High risk of data exposure.
Exploit odds: 0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2012-05-24 23:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-16 23:34 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.3% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 4.0 MEDIUM (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2012-05-24 23:55 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-16 23:34 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-264
Record status: Modified

Affected

Linux Kernel < 2.6.39

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 4.0

Attack vector: Local
Complexity: High
Authentication: None
Confidentiality: Complete
Integrity: None
Availability: None

Raw vector

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

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-2011-4080.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2011-4080. 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