Description
Buffer overflow in the header_get_field_name function in header.c for GNU Mailutils 0.5 and 0.6, and other versions before 0.6.90, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted e-mail.
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 | mailutils | 1:0.6.1-3 | — |
| Debian 13 | mailutils | 1:0.6.1-3 | — |
| Debian 12 | mailutils | 1:0.6.1-3 | — |
| Debian 3.0 | mailutils | 20020409-1woody2 | DSA-732-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- GNU Mailutils 0.6 - Mail Email Header Buffer Overflow EDB-25706 · remote · Aug 10, 2004 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-732-1 mailutils - several Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- 1014052 vdb-entry
- 13766 vdb-entry
- 15442 third-party-advisory
- DSA-732 vendor-advisory
- 20050525 GNU Mailutils 0.6 mail header_get_field_name() Buffer Overflow Vulnerability third-party-advisory