CVE-2018-6789: Exim Buffer Overflow Vulnerability

Published Feb 8, 2018
·
Updated

An issue was discovered in the base64d function in the SMTP listener in Exim before 4.90.1. By sending a handcrafted message, a buffer overflow may happen. This can be used to execute code remotely.

Other sources

Exim contains a buffer overflow vulnerability in the base64d function part of the SMTP listener that may allow for remote code execution.

CISA

Affected Software

12 affected componentsFixes available
debian/exim4<=4.90-1, <=4.80-1
4.90.1-14.89-2+deb9u34.84.2-2+deb8u5
Exim Exim
Exim Exim<4.90.1
Debian Debian Linux=7.0
Debian Debian Linux=8.0
Debian Debian Linux=9.0
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=14.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=16.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=17.10
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=14.04
Canonical Ubuntu Linux=16.04
debian/exim4
4.94.2-7+deb11u34.94.2-7+deb11u64.96-15+deb12u104.98.2-1+deb13u34.98.2-1+deb13u44.99.4-2

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/exim4 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.90.1-1Fixed in 4.89-2+deb9u3Fixed in 4.84.2-2+deb8u5
  2. Upgrade

    Upgrade debian/exim4 to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.94.2-7+deb11u3Fixed in 4.94.2-7+deb11u6Fixed in 4.96-15+deb12u10Fixed in 4.98.2-1+deb13u3Fixed in 4.98.2-1+deb13u4Fixed in 4.99.4-2
  3. Upgrade

    Upgrade Exim to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 4.90.1

Event History

Feb 8, 2018
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:00 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:00 PM
Description
Data Sourced
via NVD·11:29 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Nov 3, 2021
Known Exploited
via CISA·12:00 AM
Known Ransomware
via CISA·12:00 AM
Jan 11, 2024
Data Sourced
via Launchpad·11:09 PM
Description
Aug 29, 2025
Data Sourced
via Ubuntu·12:07 AM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Aug 1, 2026
Data Sourced
via Debian·11:48 AM
DescriptionAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2018-6789?

CVE-2018-6789 is a vulnerability in Exim that can result in a buffer overflow, allowing remote code execution.

2

What is the severity level of CVE-2018-6789?

The severity level of CVE-2018-6789 is critical, with a CVSS score of 9.8.

3

What software or versions are affected by CVE-2018-6789?

Exim versions up to and exclusive of 4.90.1, Debian Linux 7.0 to 9.0, and Ubuntu Linux 14.04 to 17.10 are affected by CVE-2018-6789.

4

How can CVE-2018-6789 be fixed?

To fix CVE-2018-6789, users should update to Exim version 4.90.1 or later, or apply the appropriate patches provided by Debian or Ubuntu.

5

Where can I find more information about CVE-2018-6789?

More information about CVE-2018-6789 can be found at the Debian Security Tracker, MITRE CVE website, and the Exim website.

Contact

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