CVE-2002-1179Outlook Express Vulnerability
Buffer overflow in the S/MIME Parsing capability in Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a digitally signed email with a long "From" address, which triggers the overflow when the user views or previews the message.
Published Oct 28, 2002 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2002-1179 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Outlook Express (Microsoft).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 22% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Scores
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
22%
Higher than 97.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
ATLAS score
34/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Not listed
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Proof of concept
Public exploit code
1
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
0
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisoryoutlook-smime-bo(10338)
Description
Buffer overflow in the S/MIME Parsing capability in Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a digitally signed email with a long "From" address, which triggers the overflow when the user views or previews the message.
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Outlook ExpressMicrosoft | 5.5, 6.0 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Oct 28, 2002
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- advisoryoutlook-smime-bo(10338)
- exploitExploitDB-21932
- other20021010 Outlook Express Remote Code Execution in Preview Pane (S/MIME)
- other20021010 Outlook Express Remote Code Execution in Preview Pane (S/MIME)
- other20021010 Re: Problems applying MS02-058
FAQ
Common Questions.
Buffer overflow in the S/MIME Parsing capability in Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a digitally signed email with a long "From" address, which triggers the overflow when the user views or previews the message.
Affected: Outlook Express (Microsoft) versions 5.5, 6.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.
Is CVE-2002-1179 On Your Attack Surface?
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