CVE-2005-1754: JavaMail API 1.1.3 through 1.3, as used by Apache Tomcat 5.0.16, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary fil

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MEDIUM 5.0WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-1754 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting apache tomcat, javamail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

JavaMail API 1.1.3 through 1.3, as used by Apache Tomcat 5.0.16, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the argument to the Download parameter. NOTE: Sun and Apache dispute this issue. Sun states: "The report makes references to source code and files that do not exist in the mentioned products.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	2.8% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200
Published	2005-12-31
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: apache tomcat · sun

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-12-31 05:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apache tomcat apache tomcat DOWNGRADE

Affected: 5.0.16

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 5.0.16

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy apache-tomcat || rpm -q apache-tomcat || apache-tomcat --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 5.0.16 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison apache-tomcat sudo apt install apache-tomcat=<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.16> sudo apt-mark hold apache-tomcat

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

dnf --showduplicates list apache-tomcat sudo dnf downgrade apache-tomcat-<VERSION_BEFORE_5.0.16> sudo dnf versionlock add apache-tomcat

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.

sun javamail DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1.3 · 1.2 · 1.3 · 1.3.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1.3

1. Check installed version

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Sun JavaMail 1.x - Multiple Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities

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-2005-1754?

apache tomcat: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; javamail: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-1754 being exploited?

CVE-2005-1754 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-2005-1754 affect?

CVE-2005-1754 affects apache tomcat, javamail. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). JavaMail API 1.1.3 through 1.3, as used by Apache Tomcat 5.0.16, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a full pathname in the argument to the Download parameter. NOTE: Sun and Apache dispute this issue. Sun states: "The repo

How urgent is CVE-2005-1754?

Priority 49/100. Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Software pages

Apache Tomcat vulnerabilities

References

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