MEDIUM
CVE-2009-5121
CWE-264Published: August 23, 2012· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
5.0
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Websense Email Security 7.1 before Hotfix 4 allows remote attackers to bypass the sender-based blacklist by using the 8BITMIME EHLO keyword in the SMTP session.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2009-5121 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
IntegrityP
AvailabilityNone
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:P/A:N
Affected Vendors & Products
websense1 product(s)
websense email security
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
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Official Patches & Advisories
All References (2)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-2009-5121
CVSS Score5.0 / 10
SeverityMEDIUM
WeaknessCWE-264
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 23, 2012
Related CVEs (CWE-264)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2009-5121 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.