PatchTheCVECVE-2009-1490: Heap-based buffer overflow in Sendmail before 8.13.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (dae
CVE-2009-1490 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting sendmail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Heap-based buffer overflow in Sendmail before 8.13.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long X- header, as demonstrated by an X-Testing header.
Why this priority
- EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 5.0 (Medium) |
| EPSS exploit chance | 12.6% (top 4%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-119 |
| Published | 2009-05-05 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-16 |
Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
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-2009-1490?
sendmail: upgrade to newer than 8.13.1.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2009-1490 being exploited?
CVE-2009-1490 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-2009-1490 affect?
CVE-2009-1490 affects sendmail. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). Heap-based buffer overflow in Sendmail before 8.13.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long X- header, as demonstrated by an X-Testing header.
How urgent is CVE-2009-1490?
Priority 47/100. EPSS top 4%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference
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