Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in Fetchmail 6.1.3 and earlier does not account for the "@" character when determining buffer lengths for local addresses, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a header with a large number of local addresses.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | fetchmail | 6.2.0-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | fetchmail | 6.2.0-1 | — |
| Debian 12 | fetchmail | 6.2.0-1 | — |
| Debian 3.0 | fetchmail | 5.9.11-6.2 | DSA-216 |
Advisories 1
- DSA-216 fetchmail - buffer overflow Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- 6390 vdb-entry
- MDKSA-2003:011 vendor-advisory
- 20021213 Advisory 05/2002: Another Fetchmail Remote Vulnerability mailing-list
- 20021215 GLSA: fetchmail mailing-list
- DSA-216 vendor-advisory
- fetchmail-address-header-bo(10839) vdb-entry
- RHSA-2002:293 vendor-advisory
- CLA-2002:554 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2002:294 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2003:155 vendor-advisory
- http://security.e-matters.de/advisories/052002.html