CVE-2026-45185: n/a
CVE-2026-45185 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Exim versions before 4. 99. 3 when configured with certain GnuTLS settings. It occurs in the BDAT body parsing path during a CHUNKING transfer if a client sends a TLS close_notify mid-body followed by a final cleartext byte on the same TCP connection. This can cause heap corruption and potentially allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
This vulnerability affects Exim mail servers prior to version 4.99.3 under specific GnuTLS configurations. The flaw is a remotely reachable use-after-free triggered during the processing of BDAT chunked body transfers when a TLS close_notify alert is sent mid-body, followed by a cleartext byte on the same connection. Exploitation can lead to heap corruption and arbitrary code execution by an unauthenticated attacker over the network.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can result in heap corruption and remote code execution without authentication, posing a critical risk to affected mail servers. This could allow attackers to fully compromise the server running vulnerable Exim versions.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch information is available at this time. Until a patch is released, consider mitigating exposure by restricting access to the mail server or disabling vulnerable configurations if feasible.
CVE-2026-45185: n/a
Description
CVE-2026-45185 is a use-after-free vulnerability in Exim versions before 4. 99. 3 when configured with certain GnuTLS settings. It occurs in the BDAT body parsing path during a CHUNKING transfer if a client sends a TLS close_notify mid-body followed by a final cleartext byte on the same TCP connection. This can cause heap corruption and potentially allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute arbitrary code.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability affects Exim mail servers prior to version 4.99.3 under specific GnuTLS configurations. The flaw is a remotely reachable use-after-free triggered during the processing of BDAT chunked body transfers when a TLS close_notify alert is sent mid-body, followed by a cleartext byte on the same connection. Exploitation can lead to heap corruption and arbitrary code execution by an unauthenticated attacker over the network.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can result in heap corruption and remote code execution without authentication, posing a critical risk to affected mail servers. This could allow attackers to fully compromise the server running vulnerable Exim versions.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. No official fix or patch information is available at this time. Until a patch is released, consider mitigating exposure by restricting access to the mail server or disabling vulnerable configurations if feasible.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- mitre
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-10T00:00:00.000Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a038bdccbff5d8610164b02
Added to database: 5/12/2026, 8:21:48 PM
Last enriched: 5/12/2026, 8:38:56 PM
Last updated: 5/12/2026, 10:52:24 PM
Views: 5
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