CVE-2005-0893: modes.c in smail 3.2.0.120 implements signal handlers with certain unsafe library calls, which may allow attac

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HIGH 7.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-0893 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.6) affecting smail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

modes.c in smail 3.2.0.120 implements signal handlers with certain unsafe library calls, which may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via signal handler race conditions, possibly using xmalloc.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.6 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.8% (top 21%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-05-02
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: smail

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-05-02 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:12 UTCUpdated Record last modified

smail smail DOWNGRADE

Affected: 3.2.0.120

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 3.2.0.120

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 3.2.0.120 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison smail sudo apt install smail=<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.0.120> sudo apt-mark hold smail

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

dnf --showduplicates list smail sudo dnf downgrade smail-<VERSION_BEFORE_3.2.0.120> sudo dnf versionlock add smail

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-2005-0893?

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

Is CVE-2005-0893 being exploited?

CVE-2005-0893 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-2005-0893 affect?

CVE-2005-0893 affects smail. Severity is high (CVSS 7.6). modes.c in smail 3.2.0.120 implements signal handlers with certain unsafe library calls, which may allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via signal handler race conditions, possibly using xmalloc.

How urgent is CVE-2005-0893?

Priority 46/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2005-0892 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in smail 3.2.0.120 allows remote attackers or local users to execute arbitrary code via a long

References

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