CVE-2007-5007: Stack-based buffer overflow in the ir_fetch_seq function in balsa before 2.3.20 might allow remote IMAP server

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MEDIUM 6.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2007-5007 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting balsa. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the ir_fetch_seq function in balsa before 2.3.20 might allow remote IMAP servers to execute arbitrary code via a long response to a FETCH command.

Why this priority

EPSS top 10%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	3.9% (top 10%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2007-12-12
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gnome

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2007-12-12 22:10 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:45 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnome balsa DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.1.7 · 1.2.4 · 1.4 · 1.4.3 · 2.0.6 · 2.0.10 · 2.0.16 · 2.0.17

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.1.7

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.1.7 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison balsa sudo apt install balsa=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.7> sudo apt-mark hold balsa

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

dnf --showduplicates list balsa sudo dnf downgrade balsa-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.1.7> sudo dnf versionlock add balsa

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-2007-5007?

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

Is CVE-2007-5007 being exploited?

CVE-2007-5007 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-2007-5007 affect?

CVE-2007-5007 affects balsa. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). Stack-based buffer overflow in the ir_fetch_seq function in balsa before 2.3.20 might allow remote IMAP servers to execute arbitrary code via a long response to a FETCH command.

How urgent is CVE-2007-5007?

Priority 51/100. EPSS top 10%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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