CVE-2019-10149
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitImproper validation of recipient address in deliver_message() function in /src/deliver.c may lead to remote command execution.
Published Oct 2, 2023 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2019-10149, DSA-4456-1, TR-21-0388, TR-23-0568, UBUNTU-CVE-2019-10149, USN-4010-1
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2019-10149 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting Exim, Ubuntu Linux (Canonical), Debian Linux and 10 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 27, 2019. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Exim 4.88-lp151.4.3.1, Exim 4.91-1.20.amzn1, Exim 4.91-r2.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
100%
Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2019-10149 brief as a PDF
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Description
A flaw was found in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91 (inclusive). Improper validation of recipient address in deliver_message() function in /src/deliver.c may lead to remote command execution.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Jan 10, 2022 | Jul 10, 2022 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | Dec 27, 2019 | Jul 10, 2022 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | Jan 10, 2022 | Jul 10, 2022 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | Jan 10, 2022 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
56 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| EximExim | >= 4.92 | 4.91 |
| Ubuntu LinuxCanonical | 18.04, 18.10 | n/a |
| Debian LinuxDebian | 9.0 | n/a |
| exim4debian | See advisory | 4.92~RC3-1 |
| exim-greylistamazon | See advisory | 4.91-1.20.amzn1 |
Patched Releases
Exim
4.88-lp151.4.3.1, 4.91-1.20.amzn1, 4.91-r2, 4.92-1, 4.92-r0, 4.94.2-4.2, 4.94.2-bp151.2.4.1, <=4.91
exim-greylist
4.91-1.20.amzn1
exim-mon
4.91-1.20.amzn1
exim-mysql
4.91-1.20.amzn1
exim-pgsql
4.91-1.20.amzn1
exim4
4.89-2+deb9u4, 4.90.1-1ubuntu1.2, 4.92~RC3-1
eximon
4.88-lp151.4.3.1, 4.94.2-4.2, 4.94.2-bp151.2.4.1
eximstats-html
4.88-lp151.4.3.1, 4.94.2-4.2, 4.94.2-bp151.2.4.1
libspf2-2
1.2.10-bp151.4.1
libspf2-devel
1.2.10-bp151.4.1
libspf2-tools
1.2.10-bp151.4.1
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Dec 27, 2019
Added to CISA KEV
Jan 10, 2022
Added to CIRCL KEV
Jan 10, 2022
Added to ENISA EUVD
Jan 10, 2022
Publicly disclosed
Oct 2, 2023
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
References
- advisoryopenSUSE-SU-2019:1524
- advisoryhttps://blog.qualys.com/vulnerabilities-research/2021/05/04/21nails-multiple-vulnerabilities-in-exim-mail-server
- advisoryhttps://blog.qualys.com/vulnerabilities-research/2021/05/04/21nails-multiple-vulnerabilities-in-exim-mail-server/
- advisoryhttps://blog.qualys.com/vulnerabilities-research/2021/05/04/21nails-multiple-vulnerabilities-in-exim-mail-server?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
- advisoryhttps://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-10149
FAQ
Common Questions.
A flaw was found in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91 (inclusive).
Affected: Exim versions >= 4.92; Ubuntu Linux (Canonical) versions 18.04, 18.10; Debian Linux versions 9.0, among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Dec 27, 2019.
Yes. It was added on Jan 10, 2022 with a federal remediation due date of Jul 10, 2022.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Exim 4.88-lp151.4.3.1, Exim 4.91-1.20.amzn1, Exim 4.91-r2.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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