CVE-2012-2143

What it is

The crypt_des (aka DES-based crypt) function in FreeBSD before 9.0-RELEASE-p2, as used in PHP, PostgreSQL, and other products, does not process the complete cleartext password if this password contains a 0x80 character, which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to obtain access via an authentication attempt with an initial substring of the intended password, as demonstrated by a Unicode password.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

5.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2012-07-05 14:55 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-16 23:41 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 5.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 4.3 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2012-07-05 14:55 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-16 23:41 UTC

Exploit probability

5.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-310

Record status

Modified

Affected

• PostgreSQL < 8.3.19
• PostgreSQL < 8.4.12
• PostgreSQL < 9.0.8
• PostgreSQL < 9.1.4
• Freebsd ≤ 9.0
• Freebsd 1.0
• Freebsd 1.1
• Freebsd 1.1.5

Attack profile CVSS 2.0 · 4.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Medium

Authentication

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Partial

Availability

None

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-2012-2143.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2012-2143. 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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