CVE-2008-5973: SQL injection vulnerability in login.aspx in Active Web Mail 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary

This month

HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-5973 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting active web mail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

SQL injection vulnerability in login.aspx in Active Web Mail 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the password parameter.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 37%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-89
Published	2009-01-27
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: activewebsoftwares

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2009-01-27 01:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:01 UTCUpdated Record last modified

activewebsoftwares active web mail DOWNGRADE

Affected: 4.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy active-web-mail || rpm -q active-web-mail || active-web-mail --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison active-web-mail sudo apt install active-web-mail=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo apt-mark hold active-web-mail

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

dnf --showduplicates list active-web-mail sudo dnf downgrade active-web-mail-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo dnf versionlock add active-web-mail

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: Active Web Mail 4 - Authentication Bypass

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-2008-5973?

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

Is CVE-2008-5973 being exploited?

CVE-2008-5973 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-2008-5973 affect?

CVE-2008-5973 affects active web mail. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). SQL injection vulnerability in login.aspx in Active Web Mail 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the password parameter.

How urgent is CVE-2008-5973?

Priority 47/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Related CVEs

CVE-2008-6873 HIGH 7.5 DOWNGRADE SQL injection vulnerability in Active Web Mail 4.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands v

References

← Back to latest CVEs