CVE-2016-7968: KMail since version 5.3.0 used a QWebEngine based viewer that had JavaScript enabled

Q: How do I fix CVE-2016-7968?

kmail: upgrade to newer than 5.3.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2016-7968 being exploited?

CVE-2016-7968 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-2016-7968 affect?

CVE-2016-7968 affects kmail. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). KMail since version 5.3.0 used a QWebEngine based viewer that had JavaScript enabled. HTML Mail contents were not sanitized for JavaScript and included code was executed.

Q: How urgent is CVE-2016-7968?

Priority 45/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This month

MEDIUM 6.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2016-7968 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting kmail. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

KMail since version 5.3.0 used a QWebEngine based viewer that had JavaScript enabled. HTML Mail contents were not sanitized for JavaScript and included code was executed.

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.2% (top 32%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2016-12-23
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: kde

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2016-12-23 22:59 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 00:53 UTCUpdated Record last modified

kde kmail UPGRADE

Affected: <= 5.3.0

Fixed in: newer than 5.3.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to newer than 5.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade kmail

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade kmail

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-2016-7968?

kmail: upgrade to newer than 5.3.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2016-7968 being exploited?

CVE-2016-7968 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-2016-7968 affect?

CVE-2016-7968 affects kmail. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). KMail since version 5.3.0 used a QWebEngine based viewer that had JavaScript enabled. HTML Mail contents were not sanitized for JavaScript and included code was executed.

How urgent is CVE-2016-7968?

Priority 45/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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