CVE-2002-2198: Buffer overflow in ZMailer before 2.99.51_1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code during HELO proc

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2002-2198 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting zmailer. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in ZMailer before 2.99.51_1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code during HELO processing from an IPv6 address, possibly using an address that resolves to a long hostname.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	6.2% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2002-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: zmailer

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2002-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:00 UTCUpdated Record last modified

zmailer zmailer DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.99.45 · 2.99.46 · 2.99.47 · 2.99.48 · 2.99.49 · 2.99.50 · 2.99.51

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.99.45

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.99.45 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison zmailer sudo apt install zmailer=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.99.45> sudo apt-mark hold zmailer

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

dnf --showduplicates list zmailer sudo dnf downgrade zmailer-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.99.45> sudo dnf versionlock add zmailer

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-2002-2198?

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

Is CVE-2002-2198 being exploited?

CVE-2002-2198 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-2002-2198 affect?

CVE-2002-2198 affects zmailer. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Buffer overflow in ZMailer before 2.99.51_1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code during HELO processing from an IPv6 address, possibly using an address that resolves to a long hostname.

How urgent is CVE-2002-2198?

Priority 58/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited

References

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