How severe is CVE-2005-2226?

CVE-2005-2226 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.0, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2005-2226 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 13% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2005-2226?

CVE-2005-2226 primarily affects Microsoft Outlook Express. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2005-2226?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2005-2226 published?

CVE-2005-2226 was published on 2005-07-12 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2005-2226

CVE-2005-2226 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook Express with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.0. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 13% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 5.0)
EPSS exploit prediction: 13% (96th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Microsoft Outlook Express
Published: 2005-07-12
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0 leaks the default news server account when a user responds to a "watched" conversation thread, which could allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2005-2226?: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0 leaks the default news server account when a user responds to a "watched" conversation thread, which could allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information.
How severe is CVE-2005-2226?: CVE-2005-2226 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.0, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2005-2226 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 13% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2005-2226?: CVE-2005-2226 primarily affects Microsoft Outlook Express. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2005-2226?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2005-2226 published?: CVE-2005-2226 was published on 2005-07-12 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:outlook_express:6.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:outlook_express:6.0:sp1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:outlook_express:6.0:sp2:*:*:*:*:*:*

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