Description
sa-exim 4.2.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code if they can write a .cf file or a rule. This occurs because Greylisting.pm relies on eval (rather than direct parsing and/or use of the taint feature). This issue is similar to CVE-2018-11805.
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 13 | sa-exim | 4.2.1-19 | — |
| Debian 12 | sa-exim | 4.2.1-19 | — |
| Debian 8 | sa-exim | 4.2.1-14+deb8u1 | DLA-2062-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 16.04 LTS | sa-exim | 4.2.1-14+deb8u1build0.16.04.1 | USN-4520-1 |
Show 1 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Pro 18.04 LTS | sa-exim | 4.2.1-16ubuntu0.1~esm1 | USN-9086-1 |
Advisories 4
- USN-9086-1 sa-exim vulnerability Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Nov 13, 2026
- WID-SEC-2026-4543 SpamAssassin: Schwachstelle ermöglicht Ausführen von beliebigem Programmcode mit Administratorrechten BSI CERT-Bund (WID) · Nov 12, 2026
- USN-4520-1 sa-exim vulnerability Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 27, 2026
- DLA-2062-1 sa-exim - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026