Which products and versions are affected by CVE-2012-3579?

Affected: Messaging Gateway (Symantec) versions 9.5, 9.5.1, 9.5.2, 9.5.3. The full list is in the CVE brief.

Is CVE-2012-3579 being exploited in the wild?

It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.

Is CVE-2012-3579 in the CISA KEV catalog?

No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.

Is there a public exploit for CVE-2012-3579?

Public exploit code is available.

Is there a fix for CVE-2012-3579?

Fixed versions are available, including Messaging Gateway 9.5.4.

How urgently should CVE-2012-3579 be patched?

Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.

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Emerging threatsHigh

CVE-2012-3579Messaging Gateway Vulnerability

Symantec Messaging Gateway (SMG) before 10.0 has a default password for an unspecified account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain privileged access via an SSH session.

Published Aug 29, 2012 · Updated Apr 28, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately

CVE-2012-3579 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.9 v2) affecting Messaging Gateway (Symantec).
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
EPSS estimates a 40% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
Fixed versions are available, including Messaging Gateway 9.5.4.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.

Scores

CVSS v2

7.9

AV:A/AC:M/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

40%

Higher than 98.6% of all scored CVEs

Exploit maturity

Weaponized

ATLAS score

53/100

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

Weaponized

Public exploit code

Proof-of-concept links

In-the-wild evidence

Reports of active use

Advisories And Exploit References

advisoryhttp://www.symantec.com/security_response/securityupdates/detail.jsp?fid=security_advisory&pvid=security_advisory&year=2012&suid=20120827_00

Description

Symantec Messaging Gateway (SMG) before 10.0 has a default password for an unspecified account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain privileged access via an SSH session.

Affected Products

5 affected entries in total

Product	Affected versions	Fixed in
Messaging GatewaySymantec	9.5, 9.5.1, 9.5.2, 9.5.3	9.5.4

Patched Releases

Messaging Gateway

9.5.4

Timeline

Publicly disclosed
Aug 29, 2012
Last updated
Apr 28, 2026

Weakness Type

CWE-264

References

advisorysymantec.com · securityupdates
exploitMSF symantec_smg_ssh.rb
exploitExploitDB-21136
otherpacketstormsecurity.com · Symantec-Messaging-Gateway-9.5-Default-SSH-Pass…
othersymantec-gateway-default-password(78034)

1 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

Symantec Messaging Gateway (SMG) before 10.0 has a default password for an unspecified account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain privileged access via an SSH session.
Affected: Messaging Gateway (Symantec) versions 9.5, 9.5.1, 9.5.2, 9.5.3. 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.
Fixed versions are available, including Messaging Gateway 9.5.4.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because public exploit code exists for a high-severity flaw.

Is CVE-2012-3579 On Your Attack Surface?

Brandefense matches it against the products discovered on your perimeter and opens a finding the day a CVE like this is listed.