CVE-2018-11805: In Apache SpamAssassin before 3.4.3, nefarious CF files can be configured to run system commands without any o

Q: How do I fix CVE-2018-11805?

spamassassin: upgrade to 3.4.3; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2018-11805 being exploited?

CVE-2018-11805 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-2018-11805 affect?

CVE-2018-11805 affects spamassassin, debian linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.7). In Apache SpamAssassin before 3.4.3, nefarious CF files can be configured to run system commands without any output or errors. With this, exploits can be injected in a number of scenarios. In addition to upgrading to SA 3.4.3, we recommend

Q: How urgent is CVE-2018-11805?

Priority 43/100. On your watchlist

This month

MEDIUM 6.7WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2018-11805 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.7) affecting spamassassin, debian linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In Apache SpamAssassin before 3.4.3, nefarious CF files can be configured to run system commands without any output or errors. With this, exploits can be injected in a number of scenarios. In addition to upgrading to SA 3.4.3, we recommend that users should only use update channels or 3rd party .cf files from trusted places.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.7 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 40%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-78
Published	2019-12-12
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Apache Software Foundation · Vendor: apache · debian

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2019-12-12 23:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 01:36 UTCUpdated Record last modified

apache spamassassin UPGRADE

Affected: < 3.4.3

Fixed in: 3.4.3

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 3.4.3 (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.

debian debian linux MITIGATE

Affected: 8.0 · 9.0 · 10.0

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.

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-2018-11805?

spamassassin: upgrade to 3.4.3; debian linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2018-11805 being exploited?

CVE-2018-11805 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-2018-11805 affect?

CVE-2018-11805 affects spamassassin, debian linux. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.7). In Apache SpamAssassin before 3.4.3, nefarious CF files can be configured to run system commands without any output or errors. With this, exploits can be injected in a number of scenarios. In addition to upgrading to SA 3.4.3, we recommend

How urgent is CVE-2018-11805?

Priority 43/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Debian vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2020-1946 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE In Apache SpamAssassin before 3.4.5, malicious rule configuration (.cf) files can be configured to run system
CVE-2020-1931 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE A command execution issue was found in Apache SpamAssassin prior to 3.4.3
CVE-2020-1930 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE A command execution issue was found in Apache SpamAssassin prior to 3.4.3
CVE-2019-12420 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE MITIGATE In Apache SpamAssassin before 3.4.3, a message can be crafted in a way to use excessive resources
CVE-2018-11781 HIGH 7.8 UPGRADE MITIGATE Apache SpamAssassin 3.4.2 fixes a local user code injection in the meta rule syntax.

References

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