CVE-2005-1656: Mercur Messaging 2005 SP2 allows remote attackers to read the source code of .ctml files via a URL with a trai

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MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-1656 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting mercur messaging. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Mercur Messaging 2005 SP2 allows remote attackers to read the source code of .ctml files via a URL with a trailing hex-encoded space ("%20").

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.3% (top 29%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-05-18
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mercur

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-05-18 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mercur mercur messaging DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2005_sp2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2005_sp2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mercur-messaging || rpm -q mercur-messaging || mercur-messaging --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2005_sp2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mercur-messaging sudo apt install mercur-messaging=<VERSION_BEFORE_2005_sp2> sudo apt-mark hold mercur-messaging

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

dnf --showduplicates list mercur-messaging sudo dnf downgrade mercur-messaging-<VERSION_BEFORE_2005_sp2> sudo dnf versionlock add mercur-messaging

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-2005-1656?

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

Is CVE-2005-1656 being exploited?

CVE-2005-1656 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-2005-1656 affect?

CVE-2005-1656 affects mercur messaging. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). Mercur Messaging 2005 SP2 allows remote attackers to read the source code of .ctml files via a URL with a trailing hex-encoded space ("%20").

How urgent is CVE-2005-1656?

Priority 40/100. Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2006-1255 HIGH 10.0 UPGRADE Stack-based buffer overflow in the IMAP service in Mercur Messaging 5.0 SP3 and earlier allows remote attacker
CVE-2005-1657 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Mercur Messaging 2005 SP2 allow remote attackers to perform un

References

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