How severe is CVE-2011-4080?

CVE-2011-4080 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.0, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2011-4080 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (27th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2011-4080?

CVE-2011-4080 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2011-4080?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2011-4080 published?

CVE-2011-4080 was published on 2012-05-24 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2011-4080

CVE-2011-4080 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Linux Linux Kernel with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.0. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 4.0)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (27th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Linux Linux Kernel
Published: 2012-05-24
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2011-4080?: 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.
How severe is CVE-2011-4080?: CVE-2011-4080 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.0, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2011-4080 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (27th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2011-4080?: CVE-2011-4080 affects Linux Linux Kernel. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2011-4080?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2011-4080 published?: CVE-2011-4080 was published on 2012-05-24 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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