CVE-2003-0540: n/a vulnerability

CVE-2003-0540: The address parser code in Postfix 1.1.12 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service...

The address parser code in Postfix 1.1.12 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (lock) via (1) a malformed envelope address to a local host that would generate a bounce and contains the ".!" string in the MAIL FROM or Errors-To headers, which causes nqmgr to lock up, or (2) via a valid MAIL FROM with a RCPT TO containing a ".!" string, which causes an instance of the SMTP listener to lock up.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdatedAug 8, 2024, 01:58 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Security readout for executives and security teams

CVE-2003-0540 is a remote denial-of-service issue in Postfix 1.1.12 and earlier. A specially formed email address can make key mail-handling processes lock up, interrupting mail delivery. The impact is availability, not data theft, and the main concern is obsolete mail servers or appliances still running very old Postfix builds. Exposure is likely limited to internet-facing SMTP systems, legacy Linux distributions, or embedded products still running Postfix 1.1.12 or earlier. Modern supported Postfix installations are unlikely to be affected, but inherited mail relays should be checked. Treat this as a legacy exposure cleanup item unless a critical mail system still runs affected Postfix. If affected, prioritize remediation because a remote unauthenticated actor could disrupt mail availability without needing account access. Mitigation focus: Inventory all Postfix instances, including legacy relays and appliances.; Upgrade affected Postfix packages using the relevant vendor advisory.; Check distribution guidance from Debian, Red Hat, SuSE, Mandrake, Trustix, or Conectiva as applicable..

Prepared: Jun 30, 2026, 09:00 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record

Severity: Unknown
CVSS: Not scored
Known Exploited: No
Published: Aug 5, 2003, 04:00 UTC (UTC+00:00)

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

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0CVSS vectors

0Timeline events

0ADP providers

2Source links

CVSS and timeline data

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Source materials

CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
oval:org.mitre.oval:def:544CVE reference · vdb-entry, signature

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus

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Weakness

CWE details

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