CVE-2011-3148
CWE-119Published: July 22, 2012· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Official Description
Stack-based buffer overflow in the _assemble_line function in modules/pam_env/pam_env.c in Linux-PAM (aka pam) before 1.1.5 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long string of white spaces at the beginning of the ~/.pam_environment file.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2011-3148 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.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-119): Buffer overflow vulnerabilities can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service by corrupting adjacent memory.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (12)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-119)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2011-3148 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts