CVE-1999-0365: The metamail package allows remote command execution using shell metacharacters that are not quoted in a mailc

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-1999-0365 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting metaip, sendmail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The metamail package allows remote command execution using shell metacharacters that are not quoted in a mailcap entry.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	4.1% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	1999-02-04
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: metainfo

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

1999-02-04 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:48 UTCUpdated Record last modified

metainfo metaip DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison metaip sudo apt install metaip=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1> sudo apt-mark hold metaip

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

dnf --showduplicates list metaip sudo dnf downgrade metaip-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.1> sudo dnf versionlock add metaip

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.

metainfo sendmail DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.0 · 2.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison sendmail sudo apt install sendmail=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0> sudo apt-mark hold sendmail

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

dnf --showduplicates list sendmail sudo dnf downgrade sendmail-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0> sudo dnf versionlock add sendmail

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-1999-0365?

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

Is CVE-1999-0365 being exploited?

CVE-1999-0365 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-1999-0365 affect?

CVE-1999-0365 affects metaip, sendmail. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). The metamail package allows remote command execution using shell metacharacters that are not quoted in a mailcap entry.

How urgent is CVE-1999-0365?

Priority 49/100. High severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited

References

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