CVE-2011-1019: The dev_load function in net/core/dev.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.38 allows local users to bypass an i...

Security readout for executives and security teams

This Linux kernel flaw let a local user with CAP_NET_ADMIN bypass the intended CAP_SYS_MODULE gate and load arbitrary kernel modules. That is serious because kernel modules run with deep system privilege. The evidence points to kernels before 2.6.38; no cited source shows active exploitation. Exposure is most likely on legacy Linux systems running kernels before 2.6.38, or vendor kernels lacking the referenced backport. Risk depends on whether untrusted local users or services can obtain CAP_NET_ADMIN. Prioritize remediation where legacy Linux hosts grant CAP_NET_ADMIN outside tightly trusted administration. This is not presented as remotely exploitable, but arbitrary module loading can undermine host integrity if the prerequisite local capability is available. Mitigation focus: Update affected Linux kernels to 2.6.38 or a vendor build containing the upstream fix.; Check distribution advisories for backported fixes before relying on version numbers alone.; Limit CAP_NET_ADMIN to trusted administrative services and users..

Prepared

Jun 15, 2026, 04:24 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.