PatchTheCVECVE-2020-12618: eM Client before 7.2.33412.0 automatically imported S/MIME certificates and thereby silently replaced existing
CVE-2020-12618 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.8) affecting em client. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
eM Client before 7.2.33412.0 automatically imported S/MIME certificates and thereby silently replaced existing ones. This allowed a man-in-the-middle attacker to obtain an email-validated S/MIME certificate from a trusted CA and replace the public key of the entity to be impersonated. This enabled the attacker to decipher further communication. The entire attack could be accomplished by sending a single email.
Why this priority
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 4.8 (Medium) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | High |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 0.3% (top 72%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Published | 2020-08-20 |
| 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
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-2020-12618?
em client: upgrade to 7.2.33412.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2020-12618 being exploited?
CVE-2020-12618 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-2020-12618 affect?
CVE-2020-12618 affects em client. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.8). eM Client before 7.2.33412.0 automatically imported S/MIME certificates and thereby silently replaced existing ones. This allowed a man-in-the-middle attacker to obtain an email-validated S/MIME certificate from a trusted CA and replace the
How urgent is CVE-2020-12618?
Priority 29/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action