CVE-2005-2943: Stack-based buffer overflow in sendmail in XMail before 1.22 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code

This week

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-2943 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting xmail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in sendmail in XMail before 1.22 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long -t command line option.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	15.3% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-10-13
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: davide libenzi

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-10-13 22:02 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:15 UTCUpdated Record last modified

davide libenzi xmail DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0 · 1.1 · 1.2 · 1.3 · 1.4 · 1.5 · 1.6 · 1.7

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison xmail sudo apt install xmail=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo apt-mark hold xmail

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

dnf --showduplicates list xmail sudo dnf downgrade xmail-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0> sudo dnf versionlock add xmail

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: XMail 1.21 - '-t' Command Line Option Local Buffer Overflow / Local Privilege Escalation

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-2005-2943?

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

Is CVE-2005-2943 being exploited?

CVE-2005-2943 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-2005-2943 affect?

CVE-2005-2943 affects xmail. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Stack-based buffer overflow in sendmail in XMail before 1.22 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long -t command line option.

How urgent is CVE-2005-2943?

Priority 55/100. High severity; EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2001-0192 HIGH 10.0 UPGRADE Buffer overflows in CTRLServer in XMail allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the cfgfileget or d
CVE-2000-0841 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in XMail POP3 server before version 0.59 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands
CVE-2000-0840 HIGH 10.0 DOWNGRADE Buffer overflow in XMail POP3 server before version 0.59 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands

References

← Back to latest CVEs