CVE-2011-2503: The insert_module function in runtime/staprun/staprun_funcs.c in the systemtap runtime tool (staprun) in Syste

Q: How do I fix CVE-2011-2503?

systemtap: upgrade to newer than 1.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2011-2503 being exploited?

CVE-2011-2503 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2011-2503 affect?

CVE-2011-2503 affects systemtap. Severity is low (CVSS 3.7). The insert_module function in runtime/staprun/staprun_funcs.c in the systemtap runtime tool (staprun) in SystemTap before 1.6 does not properly validate a module when loading it, which allows local users to gain privileges via a race condit

Q: How urgent is CVE-2011-2503?

Priority 23/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Routine

LOW 3.7UPGRADE

CVE-2011-2503 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.7) affecting systemtap. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The insert_module function in runtime/staprun/staprun_funcs.c in the systemtap runtime tool (staprun) in SystemTap before 1.6 does not properly validate a module when loading it, which allows local users to gain privileges via a race condition between the signature validation and the module initialization.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.7 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 62%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2012-07-26
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

2012-07-26 19:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:31 UTCUpdated Record last modified

systemtap systemtap UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.5 · 0.2.2 · 0.3 · 0.4 · 0.5 · 0.5.3 · 0.5.4 · 0.5.5

Fixed in: newer than 1.5

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade systemtap

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade systemtap

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2011-2503?

systemtap: upgrade to newer than 1.5. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2011-2503 being exploited?

CVE-2011-2503 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-2011-2503 affect?

CVE-2011-2503 affects systemtap. Severity is low (CVSS 3.7). The insert_module function in runtime/staprun/staprun_funcs.c in the systemtap runtime tool (staprun) in SystemTap before 1.6 does not properly validate a module when loading it, which allows local users to gain privileges via a race condit

How urgent is CVE-2011-2503?

Priority 23/100. 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-2011-2502 MEDIUM 4.4 UPGRADE runtime/staprun/staprun_funcs.c in the systemtap runtime tool (staprun) in SystemTap before 1.6 does not prope

References

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