CVE-2003-1382: Buffer overflow in ISMail 1.4.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long domain n

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2003-1382 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting ismail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in ISMail 1.4.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long domain names in (1) MAIL FROM or (2) RCPT TO fields.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.9% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2003-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: instantservers inc.

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2003-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:04 UTCUpdated Record last modified

instantservers inc. ismail DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.4.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.4.3

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.4.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ismail sudo apt install ismail=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4.3> sudo apt-mark hold ismail

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

dnf --showduplicates list ismail sudo dnf downgrade ismail-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.4.3> sudo dnf versionlock add ismail

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-2003-1382?

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

Is CVE-2003-1382 being exploited?

CVE-2003-1382 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-2003-1382 affect?

CVE-2003-1382 affects ismail. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Buffer overflow in ISMail 1.4.3 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via long domain names in (1) MAIL FROM or (2) RCPT TO fields.

How urgent is CVE-2003-1382?

Priority 48/100. High severity

References

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