CVE-2011-1781: SystemTap 1.4, when unprivileged (aka stapusr) mode is enabled, allows local users to cause a denial of servic

Routine

LOW 1.2DOWNGRADE

CVE-2011-1781 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 1.2) affecting systemtap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

SystemTap 1.4, when unprivileged (aka stapusr) mode is enabled, allows local users to cause a denial of service (divide-by-zero error and OOPS) via a crafted ELF program with DWARF expressions that are not properly handled by a stap script that performs stack unwinding (aka backtracing).

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	1.2 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 77%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-189
Published	2011-08-29
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: systemtap

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2011-08-29 21:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:30 UTCUpdated Record last modified

systemtap systemtap DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.4

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy systemtap || rpm -q systemtap || systemtap --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison systemtap sudo apt install systemtap=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4> sudo apt-mark hold systemtap

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list systemtap sudo dnf downgrade systemtap-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4> sudo dnf versionlock add systemtap

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2011-1781?

systemtap: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2011-1781 being exploited?

CVE-2011-1781 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2011-1781 affect?

CVE-2011-1781 affects systemtap. Severity is low (CVSS 1.2). SystemTap 1.4, when unprivileged (aka stapusr) mode is enabled, allows local users to cause a denial of service (divide-by-zero error and OOPS) via a crafted ELF program with DWARF expressions that are not properly handled by a stap script

How urgent is CVE-2011-1781?

Priority 10/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2012-0875 MEDIUM 5.4 DOWNGRADE SystemTap 1.7, 1.6.7, and probably other versions, when unprivileged mode is enabled, allows local users to ob
CVE-2011-2503 LOW 3.7 UPGRADE The insert_module function in runtime/staprun/staprun_funcs.c in the systemtap runtime tool (staprun) in Syste
CVE-2011-2502 MEDIUM 4.4 UPGRADE runtime/staprun/staprun_funcs.c in the systemtap runtime tool (staprun) in SystemTap before 1.6 does not prope
CVE-2011-1769 LOW 1.2 UPGRADE SystemTap 1.4 and earlier, when unprivileged (aka stapusr) mode is enabled, allows local users to cause a deni

References

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