How severe is CVE-2008-6984?

CVE-2008-6984 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.8, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2008-6984 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2008-6984?

CVE-2008-6984 primarily affects Parallels Plesk. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2008-6984?

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

When was CVE-2008-6984 published?

CVE-2008-6984 was published on 2009-08-19 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-2008-6984

CVE-2008-6984 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Parallels Plesk with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-287.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 5.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (68th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-287
Affected product: Parallels Plesk
Published: 2009-08-19
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Plesk 8.6.0, when short mail login names (SHORTNAMES) are enabled, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and send spam e-mail via a message with (1) a base64-encoded username that begins with a valid shortname, or (2) a username that matches a valid password, as demonstrated using (a) SMTP and qmail, and (b) Courier IMAP and POP3.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2008-6984?: Plesk 8.6.0, when short mail login names (SHORTNAMES) are enabled, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and send spam e-mail via a message with (1) a base64-encoded username that begins with a valid shortname, or (2) a username that matches a valid password, as demonstrated using (a) SMTP and qmail, and (b) Courier IMAP and POP3.
How severe is CVE-2008-6984?: CVE-2008-6984 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.8, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-2008-6984 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (68th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2008-6984?: CVE-2008-6984 primarily affects Parallels Plesk. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2008-6984?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2008-6984 published?: CVE-2008-6984 was published on 2009-08-19 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:parallels:plesk:8.6.0:-:linux\/unix:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:parallels:plesk:8.6.0:-:windows:*:*:*:*:*

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