CVE-2016-1480

CVE-2016-1480 is a high-severity vulnerability in Cisco Email Security Appliance with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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-388.

Key facts

Description

A vulnerability in the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) scanner of Cisco AsyncOS Software for Cisco Email Security Appliances (ESA) and Web Security Appliances (WSA) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass configured user filters on the device. Affected Products: all releases prior to the first fixed release of Cisco AsyncOS Software for Cisco ESA and Cisco WSA, both virtual and hardware appliances, if the software is configured with message or content filters to scan incoming email attachments. More Information: CSCuw03606, CSCux59734. Known Affected Releases: 8.0.0-000 8.5.6-106 9.0.0-000 9.1.0-032 9.6.0-042 9.5.0-444 WSA10.0.0-000. Known Fixed Releases: 9.1.1-038 9.7.1-066.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-1480?
A vulnerability in the Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) scanner of Cisco AsyncOS Software for Cisco Email Security Appliances (ESA) and Web Security Appliances (WSA) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass configured user filters on the device. Affected Products: all releases prior to the first fixed release of Cisco AsyncOS Software for Cisco ESA and Cisco WSA, both virtual and hardware appliances, if the software is configured with message or content filters to scan incoming email attachments. More Information: CSCuw03606, CSCux59734. Known Affected Releases: 8.0.0-000 8.5.6-106 9.0.0-000 9.1.0-032 9.6.0-042 9.5.0-444 WSA10.0.0-000. Known Fixed Releases: 9.1.1-038 9.7.1-066.
How severe is CVE-2016-1480?
CVE-2016-1480 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2016-1480 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (82nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-1480?
CVE-2016-1480 primarily affects Cisco Email Security Appliance. In total, 31 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-1480?
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-2016-1480 published?
CVE-2016-1480 was published on 2016-10-28 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (31)

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