CVE-2012-4605: The default configuration of the SMTP component in Websense Email Security 6.1 through 7.3 enables weak SSL ci

Routine

MEDIUM 5.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-4605 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.0) affecting websense email security. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The default configuration of the SMTP component in Websense Email Security 6.1 through 7.3 enables weak SSL ciphers in the "SurfControl plc\SuperScout Email Filter\SMTP" registry key, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain sensitive information by sniffing the network and then conducting a brute-force attack against encrypted session data.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.0 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	1.4% (top 28%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-200
Published	2012-08-23
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: websense

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2012-08-23 10:32 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:45 UTCUpdated Record last modified

websense websense email security DOWNGRADE

Affected: 6.1 · 6.1 sp1 · 7.0 · 7.1 · 7.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 6.1

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy websense-email-security || rpm -q websense-email-security || websense-email-security --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 6.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison websense-email-security sudo apt install websense-email-security=<VERSION_BEFORE_6.1> sudo apt-mark hold websense-email-security

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

dnf --showduplicates list websense-email-security sudo dnf downgrade websense-email-security-<VERSION_BEFORE_6.1> sudo dnf versionlock add websense-email-security

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-2012-4605?

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

Is CVE-2012-4605 being exploited?

CVE-2012-4605 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-2012-4605 affect?

CVE-2012-4605 affects websense email security. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.0). The default configuration of the SMTP component in Websense Email Security 6.1 through 7.3 enables weak SSL ciphers in the "SurfControl plc\SuperScout Email Filter\SMTP" registry key, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain sen

How urgent is CVE-2012-4605?

Priority 35/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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