CVE-2002-1090: Buffer overflow in read_smtp_response of protocol.c in libesmtp before 0.8.11 allows a remote SMTP server to (

Q: How do I fix CVE-2002-1090?

libesmtp: upgrade to newer than 0.8.11. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2002-1090 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1090 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-2002-1090 affect?

CVE-2002-1090 affects libesmtp. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in read_smtp_response of protocol.c in libesmtp before 0.8.11 allows a remote SMTP server to (1) execute arbitrary code via a certain response or (2) cause a denial of service via long server responses.

This month

HIGH 7.5UPGRADE

CVE-2002-1090 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting libesmtp. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in read_smtp_response of protocol.c in libesmtp before 0.8.11 allows a remote SMTP server to (1) execute arbitrary code via a certain response or (2) cause a denial of service via long server responses.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 20%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-10-04
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: libesmtp

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

libesmtp libesmtp UPGRADE

Affected: <= 0.8.11

Fixed in: newer than 0.8.11

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 0.8.11 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade libesmtp

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-2002-1090?

libesmtp: upgrade to newer than 0.8.11. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2002-1090 being exploited?

CVE-2002-1090 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-2002-1090 affect?

CVE-2002-1090 affects libesmtp. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in read_smtp_response of protocol.c in libesmtp before 0.8.11 allows a remote SMTP server to (1) execute arbitrary code via a certain response or (2) cause a denial of service via long server responses.

How urgent is CVE-2002-1090?

Priority 46/100. High severity

Related CVEs

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CVE-2010-1194 MEDIUM 6.8 DOWNGRADE The match_component function in smtp-tls.c in libESMTP 1.0.3.r1, and possibly other versions including 1.0.4,
CVE-2010-1192 MEDIUM 6.8 UPGRADE libESMTP, probably 1.0.4 and earlier, does not properly handle a '\0' character in a domain name in the subjec

References

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