CVE-2020-7247
Published: March 25, 2022
Official Description
smtp_mailaddr in smtp_session.c in OpenSMTPD, as used in OpenBSD and other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands as root via a crafted SMTP session.
CISA KEV Advisory
OpenSMTPD Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
smtp_mailaddr in smtp_session.c in OpenSMTPD, as used in OpenBSD and other products, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands as root via a crafted SMTP session.
Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Risk Analysis
OpenSMTPD, as used in OpenBSD and other products, contains a flaw in smtp_mailaddr that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges through a specially crafted SMTP session. The high EPSS score of 0.94076 indicates a very high likelihood of exploitation.
This vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild and is listed in CISA's KEV catalog, confirming its active use by threat actors. It is remotely exploitable.
Update OpenSMTPD to the latest version to mitigate this remote code execution vulnerability and ensure proper SMTP session handling.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2020-7247 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-2020-7247 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-2020-7247 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