How severe is CVE-2009-4538?

CVE-2009-4538 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2009-4538 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 8% (94th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2009-4538?

CVE-2009-4538 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2009-4538?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2009-4538 published?

CVE-2009-4538 was published on 2010-01-12 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2009-4538

CVE-2009-4538 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 10.0)
EPSS exploit prediction: 8% (94th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
Published: 2010-01-12
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

drivers/net/e1000e/netdev.c in the e1000e driver in the Linux kernel 2.6.32.3 and earlier does not properly check the size of an Ethernet frame that exceeds the MTU, which allows remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via crafted packets, a related issue to CVE-2009-4537.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2009-4538?: drivers/net/e1000e/netdev.c in the e1000e driver in the Linux kernel 2.6.32.3 and earlier does not properly check the size of an Ethernet frame that exceeds the MTU, which allows remote attackers to have an unspecified impact via crafted packets, a related issue to CVE-2009-4537.
How severe is CVE-2009-4538?: CVE-2009-4538 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2009-4538 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 8% (94th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2009-4538?: CVE-2009-4538 primarily affects Linux Linux Kernel. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2009-4538?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2009-4538 published?: CVE-2009-4538 was published on 2010-01-12 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:4.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:debian:debian_linux:5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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