How severe is CVE-2005-1520?

CVE-2005-1520 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.

Is CVE-2005-1520 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2005-1520?

CVE-2005-1520 primarily affects Gnu Mailutils. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2005-1520?

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-2005-1520 published?

CVE-2005-1520 was published on 2005-05-26 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2005-1520

CVE-2005-1520 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnu Mailutils with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.5)
EPSS exploit prediction: 7% (93rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Gnu Mailutils
Published: 2005-05-26
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Buffer overflow in the header_get_field_name function in header.c for GNU Mailutils 0.5 and 0.6, and other versions before 0.6.90, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted e-mail.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2005-1520?: Buffer overflow in the header_get_field_name function in header.c for GNU Mailutils 0.5 and 0.6, and other versions before 0.6.90, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted e-mail.
How severe is CVE-2005-1520?: CVE-2005-1520 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.5, rated high severity.
Is CVE-2005-1520 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 7% (93rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2005-1520?: CVE-2005-1520 primarily affects Gnu Mailutils. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2005-1520?: 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-2005-1520 published?: CVE-2005-1520 was published on 2005-05-26 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:gnu:mailutils:0.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:gnu:mailutils:0.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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