CVE-2011-2517: Multiple buffer overflows in net/wireless/nl80211.c in the Linux kernel before 2.6.39.2 allow local users t...

Security readout for executives and security teams

This is an older Linux kernel flaw in wireless scan handling. A local user who already has CAP_NET_ADMIN could trigger buffer overflows with an overlong SSID and potentially gain higher privileges. The issue is fixed in Linux 2.6.39.2 and vendor kernel updates such as Red Hat RHSA-2011:1212. Exposure is mainly legacy Linux systems or vendor kernels lacking the upstream nl80211 fix. Risk is higher where untrusted local users, containers, services, or network-management tooling can obtain CAP_NET_ADMIN. Systems without affected wireless scan paths or with patched vendor kernels are less likely exposed. Treat this as a targeted legacy-host hardening issue, not a broad internet emergency. Prioritize systems with old kernels and permissive CAP_NET_ADMIN grants, especially shared servers, appliances, and container hosts. If modern supported kernels are in use, residual business risk is likely low. Mitigation focus: Update to Linux 2.6.39.2 or a vendor kernel containing the nl80211 SSID validation fix.; Apply vendor advisories such as Red Hat RHSA-2011:1212 where applicable.; Restrict CAP_NET_ADMIN to trusted users, services, and containers only..

Prepared

Jun 24, 2026, 12:34 UTC (UTC+00:00)

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