MEDIUM
CVE-2010-3853
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: January 24, 2011· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
6.9
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
pam_namespace.c in the pam_namespace module in Linux-PAM (aka pam) before 1.1.3 uses the environment of the invoking application or service during execution of the namespace.init script, which might allow local users to gain privileges by running a setuid program that relies on the pam_namespace PAM check, as demonstrated by the sudo program.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2010-3853 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityM
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:L/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Affected Vendors & Products
linux-pam1 product(s)
linux-pam
Source: NVD CPE · 24 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
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GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
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Official Patches & Advisories
All References (22)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2010-3853
CVSS Score6.9 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedJan 24, 2011
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2010-3853 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWatch. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.