CVE-2004-2620: The MIMEH_read_headers function in ripMIME 1.3.1.0 does not properly handle trailing "\r" and "\n" characters

Routine

MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2004-2620 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting ripmime. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The MIMEH_read_headers function in ripMIME 1.3.1.0 does not properly handle trailing "\r" and "\n" characters in headers, which leads to a buffer underflow.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 41%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2004-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: paul l daniels

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

paul l daniels ripmime DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.3.1.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.3.1.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.3.1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ripmime sudo apt install ripmime=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3.1.0> sudo apt-mark hold ripmime

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

dnf --showduplicates list ripmime sudo dnf downgrade ripmime-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3.1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add ripmime

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-2004-2620?

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

Is CVE-2004-2620 being exploited?

CVE-2004-2620 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-2004-2620 affect?

CVE-2004-2620 affects ripmime. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). The MIMEH_read_headers function in ripMIME 1.3.1.0 does not properly handle trailing "\r" and "\n" characters in headers, which leads to a buffer underflow.

How urgent is CVE-2004-2620?

Priority 32/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2004-2619 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE ripMIME 1.3.2.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass e-mail protection via a base64 MIME encoded atta
CVE-2004-0162 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE Multiple content security gateway and antivirus products allow remote attackers to bypass content restrictions
CVE-2004-0161 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE Multiple content security gateway and antivirus products allow remote attackers to bypass content restrictions
CVE-2004-0053 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE Multiple content security gateway and antivirus products allow remote attackers to bypass content restrictions
CVE-2004-0052 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE DOWNGRADE Multiple content security gateway and antivirus products allow remote attackers to bypass content restrictions

References

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