PatchTheCVECVE-2018-11781: Apache SpamAssassin 3.4.2 fixes a local user code injection in the meta rule syntax.
48
This month
HIGH 7.8WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATEMITIGATE
CVE-2018-11781 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting spamassassin, ubuntu linux, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
Apache SpamAssassin 3.4.2 fixes a local user code injection in the meta rule syntax.
Why this priority
- High severity
- On your watchlist
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.8 (High) |
| Attack vector | Local |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | Low |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.0% (top 38%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-94 |
| Published | 2018-09-17 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
apache spamassassin UPGRADE
Affected: < 3.4.2
Fixed in: 3.4.2
Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release
1. Check installed version
apt-cache policy spamassassin || rpm -q spamassassin || spamassassin --version
2. UPGRADE to 3.4.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)
sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade spamassassin
2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)
sudo dnf upgrade spamassassin
Note
Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.
canonical ubuntu linux MITIGATE
Affected: 12.04 · 14.04 · 16.04 · 18.04
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 12.04
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
debian debian linux MITIGATE
Affected: 8.0
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.0
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
redhat enterprise linux desktop MITIGATE
Affected: 7.0
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
redhat enterprise linux server MITIGATE
Affected: 7.0
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.0
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
redhat enterprise linux server eus MITIGATE
Affected: 7.5
Fixed in: no fixed release known
Safe to downgrade to: a release before 7.5
Check your OS release
cat /etc/os-release; uname -r
Debian / Ubuntu
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora
sudo dnf upgrade --refresh
Windows
Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update
If no patch exists yet
OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.
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.
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-2018-11781?
spamassassin: upgrade to 3.4.2; ubuntu linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2018-11781 being exploited?
CVE-2018-11781 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-2018-11781 affect?
CVE-2018-11781 affects spamassassin, ubuntu linux, debian linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). Apache SpamAssassin 3.4.2 fixes a local user code injection in the meta rule syntax.
How urgent is CVE-2018-11781?
Priority 48/100. High severity; On your watchlist
Software pages
Ubuntu vulnerabilities · Debian vulnerabilities
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