CVE-2016-2204
CWE-74Published: April 22, 2016· Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Official Description
The management console on Symantec Messaging Gateway (SMG) Appliance devices before 10.6.1 allows local users to obtain root-shell access via crafted terminal-window input.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2016-2204 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires high privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 8.2.
The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (6)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-74)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2016-2204 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts