CVE-2003-0161

What it is

The prescan() function in the address parser (parseaddr.c) in Sendmail before 8.12.9 does not properly handle certain conversions from char and int types, which can cause a length check to be disabled when Sendmail misinterprets an input value as a special "NOCHAR" control value, allowing attackers to cause a denial of service and possibly execute arbitrary code via a buffer overflow attack using messages, a different vulnerability than CVE-2002-1337.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

38.8% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2003-04-02 05:00 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 22:01 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 38.8% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 10.0 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2003-04-02 05:00 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 22:01 UTC

Exploit probability

38.8% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Sendmail 2.6
• Sendmail 2.6.1
• Sendmail 2.6.2
• Sendmail 3.0
• Sendmail 3.0.1
• Sendmail 3.0.2
• Sendmail 3.0.3
• Sendmail 8.9.0

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 10.0

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

Complete

Integrity

Complete

Availability

Complete

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2003-0161.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2003-0161. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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