MEDIUM
CVE-2011-0281
CWE-310Published: February 10, 2011· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
5.0
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The unparse implementation in the Key Distribution Center (KDC) in MIT Kerberos 5 (aka krb5) 1.6.x through 1.9, when an LDAP backend is used, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (file descriptor exhaustion and daemon hang) via a principal name that triggers use of a backslash escape sequence, as demonstrated by a \n sequence.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2011-0281 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
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 VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityP
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:N/A:P
Affected Vendors & Products
mit2 product(s)
kerberoskerberos 5
Source: NVD CPE · 11 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
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
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (44)
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/43260Vendor Advisory
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/43273Vendor Advisory
→
http://secunia.com/advisories/43275Vendor Advisory
→
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2011-0281
CVSS Score5.0 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-310
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedFeb 10, 2011
Related CVEs (CWE-310)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2011-0281 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.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.