MEDIUM
CVE-2003-0688
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: October 20, 2003· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
5.0
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
The DNS map code in Sendmail 8.12.8 and earlier, when using the "enhdnsbl" feature, does not properly initialize certain data structures, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (process crash) via an invalid DNS response that causes Sendmail to free incorrect data.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2003-0688 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.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityNone
IntegrityNone
AvailabilityP
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:N/A:P
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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 (16)
→
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/993452US Government Resource
→
http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2003-265.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/993452US Government Resource
→
http://www.redhat.com/support/errata/RHSA-2003-265.htmlPatch · Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2003-0688
CVSS Score5.0 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected6 vendor(s)
PublishedOct 20, 2003
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2003-0688 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.