CVE-2002-1179

CVE-2002-1179 is a high-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook Express with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 20% places it in the 97th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Description

Buffer overflow in the S/MIME Parsing capability in Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a digitally signed email with a long "From" address, which triggers the overflow when the user views or previews the message.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2002-1179?
Buffer overflow in the S/MIME Parsing capability in Microsoft Outlook Express 5.5 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a digitally signed email with a long "From" address, which triggers the overflow when the user views or previews the message.
How severe is CVE-2002-1179?
CVE-2002-1179 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2002-1179 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 20% (97th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2002-1179?
CVE-2002-1179 primarily affects Microsoft Outlook Express. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2002-1179?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2002-1179 published?
CVE-2002-1179 was published on 2002-10-28 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

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