How severe is CVE-2016-2204?

CVE-2016-2204 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2016-2204 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (47th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2016-2204?

CVE-2016-2204 primarily affects Symantec Messaging Gateway. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2016-2204?

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-2016-2204 published?

CVE-2016-2204 was published on 2016-04-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2016-2204

CVE-2016-2204 is a high-severity vulnerability in Symantec Messaging Gateway with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2. 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-74.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.2)
CVSS v2: 6.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (47th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-74
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 obtain root-shell access via crafted terminal-window input.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2016-2204?: The management console on Symantec Messaging Gateway (SMG) Appliance devices before 10.6.1 allows local users to obtain root-shell access via crafted terminal-window input.
How severe is CVE-2016-2204?: CVE-2016-2204 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.2, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2016-2204 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (47th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2016-2204?: CVE-2016-2204 primarily affects Symantec Messaging Gateway. In total, 7 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2016-2204?: 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-2016-2204 published?: CVE-2016-2204 was published on 2016-04-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (7)

cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:*:7:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:10.6.0:1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:10.6.0:2:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:10.6.0:3:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:10.6.0:4:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:10.6.0:5:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:symantec:messaging_gateway:10.6.0:6:*:*:*:*:*:*

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