CVE-2010-4345
Published: March 25, 2022
Official Description
Exim allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging the ability of the exim user account to specify an alternate configuration file with a directive that contains arbitrary commands.
CISA KEV Advisory
Exim Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
Exim allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging the ability of the exim user account to specify an alternate configuration file with a directive that contains arbitrary commands.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in Exim allows local users to gain elevated privileges by manipulating configuration files. While a CVSS score is not available, its HIGH severity and inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog with an EPSS score of 0.04024 indicate a significant risk of exploitation.
This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild, as confirmed by its presence in CISA's KEV catalog. Exploitation requires local access to the system.
Update Exim to the latest secure version. Restrict the ability of the exim user account to specify alternate configuration files and ensure proper file permissions are in place.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2010-4345 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2010-4345 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (1)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2010-4345 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1