CVE-2008-5839: Buffer overflow in Foxmail 6.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long mailto URI in the

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HIGH 9.3DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-5839 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 9.3) affecting foxmail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in Foxmail 6.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long mailto URI in the HREF attribute of an A element.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.3 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	5.6% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2009-01-05
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: foxmail

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-01-05 16:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

foxmail foxmail DOWNGRADE

Affected: 6.5

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 6.5

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 6.5 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison foxmail sudo apt install foxmail=<VERSION_BEFORE_6.5> sudo apt-mark hold foxmail

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

dnf --showduplicates list foxmail sudo dnf downgrade foxmail-<VERSION_BEFORE_6.5> sudo dnf versionlock add foxmail

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: Foxmail Email Client 6.5 - 'mailto' Buffer Overflow (PoC)

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-2008-5839?

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

Is CVE-2008-5839 being exploited?

CVE-2008-5839 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-2008-5839 affect?

CVE-2008-5839 affects foxmail. Severity is high (CVSS 9.3). Buffer overflow in Foxmail 6.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long mailto URI in the HREF attribute of an A element.

How urgent is CVE-2008-5839?

Priority 61/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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