diff --git a/src/net/interface_unix_test.go b/src/net/interface_unix_test.go
index 92ec13a909..b0a9bcf253 100644
--- a/src/net/interface_unix_test.go
+++ b/src/net/interface_unix_test.go
@@ -193,6 +193,9 @@ func TestInterfaceArrivalAndDepartureZoneCache(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Skipf("test requires external command: %v", err)
 	}
 	if err := ti.setup(); err != nil {
+		if e := err.Error(); strings.Contains(e, "Permission denied") {
+			t.Skipf("permission denied, skipping test: %v", e)
+		}
 		t.Fatal(err)
 	}
 	defer ti.teardown()