CVE-2016-10074
CVE-2016-10074 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Swiftmailer with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 42% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-77.
Key facts
- Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
- CVSS v2: 7.5
- EPSS exploit prediction: 42% (99th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-77
- Affected product: Swiftmailer
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The mail transport (aka Swift_Transport_MailTransport) in Swift Mailer before 5.4.5 might allow remote attackers to pass extra parameters to the mail command and consequently execute arbitrary code via a \" (backslash double quote) in a crafted e-mail address in the (1) From, (2) ReturnPath, or (3) Sender header.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2016-10074?
- The mail transport (aka Swift_Transport_MailTransport) in Swift Mailer before 5.4.5 might allow remote attackers to pass extra parameters to the mail command and consequently execute arbitrary code via a \" (backslash double quote) in a crafted e-mail address in the (1) From, (2) ReturnPath, or (3) Sender header.
- How severe is CVE-2016-10074?
- CVE-2016-10074 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2016-10074 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 42% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2016-10074?
- CVE-2016-10074 affects Swiftmailer. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2016-10074?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2016-10074 published?
- CVE-2016-10074 was published on 2016-12-30 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/140290/SwiftMailer-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2016/Dec/86
- http://www.debian.org/security/2017/dsa-3769
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/95140
- https://github.com/swiftmailer/swiftmailer/blob/5.x/CHANGES
- https://legalhackers.com/advisories/SwiftMailer-Exploit-Remote-Code-Exec-CVE-2016-10074-Vuln.html
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40972/
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/40986/
- https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/42221/
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:swiftmailer:swiftmailer:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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