CVE-2011-3208: Stack-based buffer overflow in the split_wildmats function in nntpd.c in nntpd in Cyrus IMAP Server before 2.3

Q: How do I fix CVE-2011-3208?

cyrus imap server: upgrade to newer than 2.3.16. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2011-3208 being exploited?

CVE-2011-3208 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2011-3208 affect?

CVE-2011-3208 affects cyrus imap server. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Stack-based buffer overflow in the split_wildmats function in nntpd.c in nntpd in Cyrus IMAP Server before 2.3.17 and 2.4.x before 2.4.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted NNTP command.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2011-3208?

Priority 49/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited

This month

HIGH 7.5UPGRADE

CVE-2011-3208 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting cyrus imap server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Stack-based buffer overflow in the split_wildmats function in nntpd.c in nntpd in Cyrus IMAP Server before 2.3.17 and 2.4.x before 2.4.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted NNTP command.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	5.4% (top 7%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-119
Published	2011-09-14
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): Red Hat, Inc. · Vendor: cmu

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2011-09-14 17:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:32 UTCUpdated Record last modified

cmu cyrus imap server UPGRADE

Affected: <= 2.3.16 · 2.0.17 · 2.1.16 · 2.1.17 · 2.1.18 · 2.2.8 · 2.2.9 · 2.2.10

Fixed in: newer than 2.3.16

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy cyrus-imap-server || rpm -q cyrus-imap-server || cyrus-imap-server --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.3.16 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade cyrus-imap-server

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade cyrus-imap-server

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

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-2011-3208?

cyrus imap server: upgrade to newer than 2.3.16. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2011-3208 being exploited?

CVE-2011-3208 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-2011-3208 affect?

CVE-2011-3208 affects cyrus imap server. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Stack-based buffer overflow in the split_wildmats function in nntpd.c in nntpd in Cyrus IMAP Server before 2.3.17 and 2.4.x before 2.4.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted NNTP command.

How urgent is CVE-2011-3208?

Priority 49/100. High severity; EPSS top 7%: very likely to be exploited

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References

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