CVE-2007-2026: The gnu regular expression code in file 4.20 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (

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HIGH 7.8MITIGATEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2007-2026 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting virus scanner, file. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The gnu regular expression code in file 4.20 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption) via a crafted document with a large number of line feed characters, which is not well handled by OS/2 REXX regular expressions that use wildcards, as originally reported for AMaViS.

Why this priority

High severity

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.1% (top 18%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2007-04-13
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: amavis · gentoo

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2007-04-13 18:19 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:38 UTCUpdated Record last modified

amavis virus scanner MITIGATE

Affected: all versions

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy virus-scanner || rpm -q virus-scanner || virus-scanner --version

No fixed or unaffected release known

Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory, disable the affected feature, or restrict network access.

gentoo file DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.20

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.20

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.20 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison file sudo apt install file=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.20> sudo apt-mark hold file

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

dnf --showduplicates list file sudo dnf downgrade file-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.20> sudo dnf versionlock add file

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-2007-2026?

virus scanner: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; file: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2007-2026 being exploited?

CVE-2007-2026 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-2007-2026 affect?

CVE-2007-2026 affects virus scanner, file. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). The gnu regular expression code in file 4.20 allows context-dependent attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU consumption) via a crafted document with a large number of line feed characters, which is not well handled by OS/2 REXX regula

How urgent is CVE-2007-2026?

Priority 48/100. High severity

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References

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