CVE-2011-2918

MEDIUM

Linux Kernel < 3.1 - Denial of Service via Performance Events Subsystem

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

EIP tracks 1 public exploit for CVE-2011-2918. PoCs published by Vince Weaver.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This exploit triggers an integer overflow in the Linux kernel's performance event subsystem (PERF_COUNT_SW_CPU_CLOCK) by creating a high-frequency event counter and inducing overflows during matrix multiplication. It demonstrates a DoS condition by crashing Linux kernel 3.0.0.

Description

The Performance Events subsystem in the Linux kernel before 3.1 does not properly handle event overflows associated with PERF_COUNT_SW_CPU_CLOCK events, which allows local users to cause a denial of service (system hang) via a crafted application.

Exploits (1)

exploitdb WORKING POC
by Vince Weaver · cdoslinux
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/17769

This exploit triggers an integer overflow in the Linux kernel's performance event subsystem (PERF_COUNT_SW_CPU_CLOCK) by creating a high-frequency event counter and inducing overflows during matrix multiplication. It demonstrates a DoS condition by crashing Linux kernel 3.0.0.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Dos
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Linux kernel 3.0.0
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Linux kernel 3.0.0 with PERF_EVENTS enabled · Local access to the system
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (5)

Core 5
Core References
Mailing List, Patch, Vendor Advisory x_refsource_confirm
http://www.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v3.x/ChangeLog-3.1
Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory mailing-list x_refsource_mlist
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2011/08/16/1
Issue Tracking, Patch, Third Party Advisory x_refsource_confirm
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=730706

Scores

CVSS v3 5.5
EPSS 0.0092
EPSS Percentile 55.4%
Attack Vector LOCAL
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Details

CWE
CWE-400
Status published
Products (1)
linux/linux_kernel < 3.1
Published May 24, 2012
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026