CVE-2004-2417: Format string vulnerability in smtp.c for smtp.proxy 1.1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbi

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-2417 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting smtp.proxy. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Format string vulnerability in smtp.c for smtp.proxy 1.1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the (1) client hostname or (2) message-id, which are injected into a syslog message.

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	2.7% (top 14%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: smtp.proxy

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2004-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:09 UTCUpdated Record last modified

smtp.proxy smtp.proxy DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1.3

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1.3

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy smtp.proxy || rpm -q smtp.proxy || smtp.proxy --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1.3 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison smtp.proxy sudo apt install smtp.proxy=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.3> sudo apt-mark hold smtp.proxy

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

dnf --showduplicates list smtp.proxy sudo dnf downgrade smtp.proxy-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.3> sudo dnf versionlock add smtp.proxy

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-2004-2417?

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

Is CVE-2004-2417 being exploited?

CVE-2004-2417 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-2004-2417 affect?

CVE-2004-2417 affects smtp.proxy. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Format string vulnerability in smtp.c for smtp.proxy 1.1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the (1) client hostname or (2) message-id, which are injected into a syslog message.

How urgent is CVE-2004-2417?

Priority 48/100. High severity

References

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