CVE-2001-0889: Exim 3.22 and earlier, in some configurations, does not properly verify the local part of an address when redi

Q: How do I fix CVE-2001-0889?

exim: upgrade to newer than 3.22; linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2001-0889 being exploited?

CVE-2001-0889 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-2001-0889 affect?

CVE-2001-0889 affects exim, linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Exim 3.22 and earlier, in some configurations, does not properly verify the local part of an address when redirecting the address to a pipe, which could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2001-0889?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

This month

HIGH 7.5WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2001-0889 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting exim, linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Exim 3.22 and earlier, in some configurations, does not properly verify the local part of an address when redirecting the address to a pipe, which could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	6.4% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2001-12-19
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: redhat · university of cambridge

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2001-12-19 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:55 UTCUpdated Record last modified

university of cambridge exim UPGRADE

Affected: <= 3.22

Fixed in: newer than 3.22

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 3.22 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade exim

Note

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

redhat linux MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2001-0889?

exim: upgrade to newer than 3.22; linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2001-0889 being exploited?

CVE-2001-0889 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-2001-0889 affect?

CVE-2001-0889 affects exim, linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Exim 3.22 and earlier, in some configurations, does not properly verify the local part of an address when redirecting the address to a pipe, which could allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters.

How urgent is CVE-2001-0889?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

Software pages

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References

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