CVE-2012-5623: Squirrelmail 4.0 uses the outdated MD5 hash algorithm for passwords.

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEDOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-5623 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting change passwd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Squirrelmail 4.0 uses the outdated MD5 hash algorithm for passwords.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 48%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-327
Published	2020-02-13
Last modified	2026-06-16

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

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2020-02-13 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

squirrelmail change passwd 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 change-passwd || rpm -q change-passwd || change-passwd --version

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

apt-cache madison change-passwd sudo apt install change-passwd=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo apt-mark hold change-passwd

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

dnf --showduplicates list change-passwd sudo dnf downgrade change-passwd-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.0> sudo dnf versionlock add change-passwd

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-2012-5623?

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

Is CVE-2012-5623 being exploited?

CVE-2012-5623 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-2012-5623 affect?

CVE-2012-5623 affects change passwd. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Squirrelmail 4.0 uses the outdated MD5 hash algorithm for passwords.

How urgent is CVE-2012-5623?

Priority 44/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

References

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