CVE-2002-0906: Buffer overflow in Sendmail before 8.12.5, when configured to use a custom DNS map to query TXT records, allow

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-0906 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting sendmail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Sendmail before 8.12.5, when configured to use a custom DNS map to query TXT records, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a malicious DNS server.

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	4.4% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-10-04
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: sendmail

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-10-04 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

sendmail sendmail DOWNGRADE

Affected: 8.12.0 · 8.12.1 · 8.12.3 · 8.12.4

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.12.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.12.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison sendmail sudo apt install sendmail=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.12.0> sudo apt-mark hold sendmail

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

dnf --showduplicates list sendmail sudo dnf downgrade sendmail-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.12.0> 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-2002-0906?

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

Is CVE-2002-0906 being exploited?

CVE-2002-0906 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-2002-0906 affect?

CVE-2002-0906 affects sendmail. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in Sendmail before 8.12.5, when configured to use a custom DNS map to query TXT records, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a malicious DNS server.

How urgent is CVE-2002-0906?

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

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References

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