CVE-2021-38502

What it is

Thunderbird ignored the configuration to require STARTTLS security for an SMTP connection. A MITM could perform a downgrade attack to intercept transmitted messages, or could take control of the authenticated session to execute SMTP commands chosen by the MITM. If an unprotected authentication method was configured, the MITM could obtain the authentication credentials, too. This vulnerability affects Thunderbird < 91.2.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

1.1% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2021-11-03 01:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 04:02 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.1% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.9 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2021-11-03 01:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:02 UTC

Exploit probability

1.1% · EPSS, next 30 days

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Mozilla Thunderbird < 91.2
• Debian Linux 9.0
• Debian Linux 10.0
• Debian Linux 11.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.9

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

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-2021-38502.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2021-38502. 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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