CVE-2012-5816: AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 1.0.1.2 does not verify that the server hostname matches a domain name in the subj

Routine

MEDIUM 5.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2012-5816 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.8) affecting aim. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 1.0.1.2 does not verify that the server hostname matches a domain name in the subject's Common Name (CN) or subjectAltName field of the X.509 certificate, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof SSL servers via an arbitrary valid certificate.

Why this priority

Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.8 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 53%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2012-11-04
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: aol

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2012-11-04 22:55 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

aol aim DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.1.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.1.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy aim || rpm -q aim || aim --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.1.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison aim sudo apt install aim=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.1.2> sudo apt-mark hold aim

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

dnf --showduplicates list aim sudo dnf downgrade aim-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.1.2> sudo dnf versionlock add aim

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-2012-5816?

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

Is CVE-2012-5816 being exploited?

CVE-2012-5816 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-2012-5816 affect?

CVE-2012-5816 affects aim. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.8). AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) 1.0.1.2 does not verify that the server hostname matches a domain name in the subject's Common Name (CN) or subjectAltName field of the X.509 certificate, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof SSL ser

How urgent is CVE-2012-5816?

Priority 37/100. Public exploit reference

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References

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