HIGHPOC
CVE-2003-0681
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: October 6, 2003· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
7.5
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
A "potential buffer overflow in ruleset parsing" for Sendmail 8.12.9, when using the nonstandard rulesets (1) recipient (2), final, or (3) mailer-specific envelope recipients, has unknown consequences.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2003-0681 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2003-0681. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityP
IntegrityP
AvailabilityP
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
Affected Vendors & Products
Apple2 product(s)
mac os xmac os x server
gentoo1 product(s)
linux
HP1 product(s)
hp-ux
IBM1 product(s)
aix
netbsd1 product(s)
netbsd
openbsd1 product(s)
openbsd
sendmail4 product(s)
advanced message serversendmailsendmail prosendmail switch
turbolinux3 product(s)
turbolinux advanced serverturbolinux serverturbolinux workstation
Source: NVD CPE · 96 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (24)
→
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/108964US Government Resource
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/8649Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2003-0681
CVSS Score7.5 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected8 vendor(s)
PublishedOct 6, 2003
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2003-0681 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.