How severe is CVE-2016-2203?

CVE-2016-2203 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-2203 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-2016-2203?

CVE-2016-2203 primarily affects Symantec Messaging Gateway. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-2203?

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-2016-2203 published?

CVE-2016-2203 was published on 2016-04-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-2203

CVE-2016-2203 is a high-severity vulnerability in Symantec Messaging Gateway with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. 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-255.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 2.1
EPSS exploit prediction: 7% (93rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-255
Affected product: Symantec Messaging Gateway
Published: 2016-04-22
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The management console on Symantec Messaging Gateway (SMG) Appliance devices before 10.6.1 allows local users to discover an encrypted AD password by leveraging certain read privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-2203?: The management console on Symantec Messaging Gateway (SMG) Appliance devices before 10.6.1 allows local users to discover an encrypted AD password by leveraging certain read privileges.
How severe is CVE-2016-2203?: CVE-2016-2203 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-2203 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-2016-2203?: CVE-2016-2203 primarily affects Symantec Messaging Gateway. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-2203?: 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-2016-2203 published?: CVE-2016-2203 was published on 2016-04-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:10.6.0:patch3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:10.6.0:patch5:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:10.6.0:patch7:*:*:*:*:*:*

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