How severe is CVE-2020-7046?

CVE-2020-7046 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 none, integrity none, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-7046 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 51% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-7046?

CVE-2020-7046 primarily affects Dovecot. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-7046?

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-2020-7046 published?

CVE-2020-7046 was published on 2020-02-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-7046

CVE-2020-7046 is a high-severity vulnerability in Dovecot with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 51% places it in the 99th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-835.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
CVSS v2: 7.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 51% (99th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-835
Affected product: Dovecot
Published: 2020-02-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

lib-smtp in submission-login and lmtp in Dovecot 2.3.9 before 2.3.9.3 mishandles truncated UTF-8 data in command parameters, as demonstrated by the unauthenticated triggering of a submission-login infinite loop.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-7046?: lib-smtp in submission-login and lmtp in Dovecot 2.3.9 before 2.3.9.3 mishandles truncated UTF-8 data in command parameters, as demonstrated by the unauthenticated triggering of a submission-login infinite loop.
How severe is CVE-2020-7046?: CVE-2020-7046 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 none, integrity none, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-7046 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 51% (99th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-7046?: CVE-2020-7046 primarily affects Dovecot. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-7046?: 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-2020-7046 published?: CVE-2020-7046 was published on 2020-02-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:dovecot:dovecot:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:30:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:fedoraproject:fedora:31:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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