CVE-2008-3962: The from_format function in ssmtp.c in ssmtp 2.61 and 2.62, in certain configurations, uses uninitialized memo

Routine

LOW 2.6DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-3962 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 2.6) affecting ssmtp. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The from_format function in ssmtp.c in ssmtp 2.61 and 2.62, in certain configurations, uses uninitialized memory for the From: field of an e-mail message, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information (memory contents) in opportunistic circumstances by reading a message.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	2.6 (Low)
EPSS exploit chance	2.0% (top 19%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200
Published	2008-09-11
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: ssmtp

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-09-11 01:13 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ssmtp ssmtp DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.61 · 2.62

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.61

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.61 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ssmtp sudo apt install ssmtp=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.61> sudo apt-mark hold ssmtp

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

dnf --showduplicates list ssmtp sudo dnf downgrade ssmtp-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.61> sudo dnf versionlock add ssmtp

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-2008-3962?

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

Is CVE-2008-3962 being exploited?

CVE-2008-3962 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-2008-3962 affect?

CVE-2008-3962 affects ssmtp. Severity is low (CVSS 2.6). The from_format function in ssmtp.c in ssmtp 2.61 and 2.62, in certain configurations, uses uninitialized memory for the From: field of an e-mail message, which might allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information (memory contents)

How urgent is CVE-2008-3962?

Priority 29/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Related CVEs

CVE-2008-7258 LOW 2.1 DOWNGRADE The standardise function in Anibal Monsalve Salazar sSMTP 2.61 and 2.62 allows local users to cause a denial o

References

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