CVE-2019-10149

CRITICAL KEV

Exim 4.87 - 4.91 Local Privilege Escalation

Title source: metasploit
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

CVE-2019-10149 is actively exploited and listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added January 10, 2022. EIP tracks 24 public exploits from researchers including Metasploit, Marco Ivaldi, Qualys Corporation, including a Metasploit module exploits/linux/local/exim4_deliver_message_priv_esc.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This Metasploit module exploits CVE-2019-10149, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. It leverages improper validation in the deliver_message() function to execute commands with root privileges via a crafted RCPT TO field.

Description

A flaw was found in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91 (inclusive). Improper validation of recipient address in deliver_message() function in /src/deliver.c may lead to remote command execution.

Exploits (24)

exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Metasploit · rubylocallinux
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/47307

This Metasploit module exploits CVE-2019-10149, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. It leverages improper validation in the deliver_message() function to execute commands with root privileges via a crafted RCPT TO field.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87 - 4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Local access to the target system · Exim running and listening on a port (default 25) · Writable directory (default /tmp) · Bash availability
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
exploitdb WORKING POC VERIFIED
by Marco Ivaldi · bashlocallinux
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46996

This exploit leverages CVE-2019-10149, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91, by injecting a malicious recipient address to execute arbitrary commands as root. It supports two methods: creating a setuid shell or spawning a netcat reverse shell.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87-4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Local access to a vulnerable Exim instance · Exim running with elevated privileges
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
exploitdb WRITEUP
by Qualys Corporation · textremotelinux
https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46974

This is a detailed security advisory from Qualys describing CVE-2019-10149, a remote command execution vulnerability in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. The vulnerability allows arbitrary command execution as root via the `${run{...}}` expansion in recipient addresses, exploitable locally by default and remotely under certain configurations.

Classification
Writeup 100%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87 to 4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Exim server with vulnerable version · Ability to send emails to the target server · Non-default configurations for remote exploitation
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec TROJAN 22 stars
by bananaphones · poc
https://github.com/bananaphones/exim-rce-quickfix

The repository contains a malicious script disguised as a fix for CVE-2019-10149 (Exim RCE). The 'malware_do_not_run.sh' script attempts to download and execute payloads from .onion domains via Tor2Web, while the 'exim_rce_fixer.sh' script pretends to patch Exim but includes suspicious cleanup routines.

Classification
Trojan 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: Exim (versions affected by CVE-2019-10149)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Access to a vulnerable Exim instance · Ability to execute scripts on the target system
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 18 stars
by Diefunction · remote
https://github.com/Diefunction/CVE-2019-10149

The repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2019-10149, targeting Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. The exploit leverages improper validation in the deliver_message() function to achieve remote command execution via a crafted RCPT TO command.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87 to 4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the Exim SMTP port (default 25) · Listener set up on attacker's machine
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 14 stars
by MNEMO-CERT · local
https://github.com/MNEMO-CERT/PoC--CVE-2019-10149_Exim

This repository contains a functional Python exploit for CVE-2019-10149, a remote command execution vulnerability in Exim. The PoC leverages a crafted SMTP RCPT TO command to execute arbitrary commands as root by exploiting a flaw in Exim's string expansion logic.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim (4.87 - 4.91)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to Exim SMTP port (default 25) · Exim version 4.87 to 4.91 · No ACL 'verify=recipient' restriction (for remote exploitation)
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 13 stars
by cowbe0x004 · poc
https://github.com/cowbe0x004/eximrce-CVE-2019-10149

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2019-10149, a remote code execution vulnerability in Exim. The exploit includes a Python script for remote testing and a Bash script for local vulnerability checks, both of which attempt to create a file in /root/lweximtest to confirm exploitation.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim (versions prior to patched versions)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the Exim SMTP port · Exim version vulnerable to CVE-2019-10149
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 9 stars
by AzizMea · local
https://github.com/AzizMea/CVE-2019-10149-privilege-escalation

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2019-10149, a privilege escalation vulnerability in Exim. The exploit leverages a command injection flaw in the SMTP service to execute arbitrary commands as root via a crafted RCPT TO field.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim (versions prior to 4.92.2)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Access to the SMTP service (port 25) · Exim version vulnerable to CVE-2019-10149
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 5 stars
by darsigovrustam · local
https://github.com/darsigovrustam/CVE-2019-10149

This repository provides a functional exploit for CVE-2019-10149, a remote command execution vulnerability in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. The exploit leverages the `${run{...}}` expansion in the SMTP `rcpt to:` command to execute arbitrary shell commands.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87 < 4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Vulnerable Exim version (4.87 to 4.91) · Network access to the SMTP port (25)
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 4 stars
by Chris-dev1 · local
https://github.com/Chris-dev1/exim.exp

This repository contains a functional Python exploit for CVE-2019-10149, targeting Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. The exploit leverages a remote command execution vulnerability via a crafted RCPT TO command, delivering a reverse shell payload.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87 - 4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to Exim SMTP port (default 25) · Listener setup for reverse shell
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WRITEUP 3 stars
by cloudflare · poc
https://github.com/cloudflare/exim-cve-2019-10149-data

This repository provides a collection of data and references related to Exim vulnerabilities, specifically CVE-2019-10149. It includes links to exploit details, advisories, and reports but does not contain functional exploit code.

Classification
Writeup 90%
Attack Type
Other
Complexity
N/a
Reliability
N/a
Target: Exim
No auth needed
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec SCANNER 3 stars
by Brets0150 · poc
https://github.com/Brets0150/StickyExim

This repository contains a script to detect and log exploitation attempts of CVE-2019-10149 in Exim mail servers. It parses Exim logs for specific strings indicating exploit attempts and generates abuse reports for the attacking IPs.

Classification
Scanner 90%
Attack Type
Other
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim mail server
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Exim mail server with logging enabled · Access to Exim log files
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 1 stars
by Stick-U235 · local
https://github.com/Stick-U235/CVE-2019-10149-Exploit

This exploit leverages CVE-2019-10149, a remote command execution vulnerability in Exim (4.87-4.91), by injecting a malicious payload into the RCPT TO field during an SMTP session. The payload spawns a netcat shell on port 31415 as root, allowing the attacker to gain remote access.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87-4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the Exim SMTP service (port 25) · Exim version 4.87-4.91 running on the target
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 1 stars
by aishee · poc
https://github.com/aishee/CVE-2019-10149-quick

This repository contains a Bash script that automates the installation of vulnerable Exim versions to exploit CVE-2019-10149, a remote command execution vulnerability in Exim mail servers. The script checks for root privileges, identifies the Linux distribution, and installs or reinstalls Exim and curl to create a vulnerable environment.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim (versions prior to 4.92.2)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Root access on the target system · Exim installed on the target system
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by CybersRMUTL · remote
https://github.com/CybersRMUTL/CVE-2019-10149-Exim4-RCE

This repository contains a functional local privilege escalation exploit for CVE-2019-10149 in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. The exploit leverages a vulnerability in Exim's SMTP service to execute arbitrary commands as root by injecting a malicious payload into the RCPT TO field.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87 - 4.91
Auth required
Prerequisites: Local access to the target machine · Standard user privileges · Exim SMTP service running locally
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 19, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by VoyagerOnne · remote
https://github.com/VoyagerOnne/Exim-CVE-2019-10149

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2019-10149, a remote command execution vulnerability in Exim. The PoC leverages the vulnerability by sending a crafted SMTP command with an encoded payload to execute arbitrary commands on the target system.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim (versions prior to 4.92.2)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the Exim SMTP port (default 25) · A listener set up to receive the reverse shell or command output
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by uyerr · remote
https://github.com/uyerr/PoC_CVE-2019-10149--rce

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2019-10149, an RCE vulnerability in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. The exploit leverages a command injection flaw in the Exim SMTP service by sending a crafted RCPT TO command with a malicious payload that executes a reverse shell.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim (4.87 to 4.91)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Network access to the Exim SMTP service (port 25) · A listener setup to receive the reverse shell
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec STUB
by qlusec · local
https://github.com/qlusec/CVE-2019-10149

The repository contains only a minimal README with no functional exploit code or technical details. It lacks any meaningful content to demonstrate or analyze the vulnerability.

Classification
Stub 90%
Attack Type
Other
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: unknown
No auth needed
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by hyim0810 · remote
https://github.com/hyim0810/CVE-2019-10149

This repository provides a functional exploit for CVE-2019-10149, a remote command execution vulnerability in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. The exploit leverages the `${run{...}}` expansion in the SMTP `rcpt to:` command to execute arbitrary shell commands, demonstrated by downloading and executing a reverse shell script.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87 < 4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Vulnerable Exim version (4.87 to 4.91) · Network access to the SMTP port (25) · Misconfigured Exim to allow relaying
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec STUB
by rahmadsandy · poc
https://github.com/rahmadsandy/EXIM-4.87-CVE-2019-10149

The repository contains only a README with a placeholder image and no functional exploit code or technical details. It appears to be a setup guide for educational purposes but lacks substance.

Classification
Stub 90%
Attack Type
Other
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: EXIM 4.87
No auth needed
Prerequisites: none specified
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec STUB
by Dilshan-Eranda · poc
https://github.com/Dilshan-Eranda/CVE-2019-10149

The repository contains only a minimal README with no exploit code or technical details. It appears to be a placeholder for an assignment on CVE-2019-10149.

Classification
Stub 90%
Attack Type
Other
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: unknown
No auth needed
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
vulncheck_xdb WORKING POC
remote
https://github.com/Ambrella-Security/CVE-2019-10149

This Python script exploits CVE-2019-10149, a remote command execution vulnerability in Exim versions 4.87-4.91. It sends a crafted email with a malicious payload in the RCPT TO field, which spawns a netcat shell on port 31415 as root.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87-4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: network access to Exim SMTP port (25) · Exim version 4.87-4.91
devstral-2 · analyzed May 19, 2026 Full analysis →
vulncheck_xdb WORKING POC
local
https://github.com/0xdea/exploits

This repository contains functional exploit code for CVE-2019-10149, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Exim. The exploit leverages the 'Return of the WIZard' bug to gain root access.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim (specific versions affected by CVE-2019-10149)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Local access to a vulnerable Exim installation
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 25, 2026 Full analysis →
metasploit WORKING POC EXCELLENT
by Qualys, Dennis Herrmann, Marco Ivaldi, Guillaume André · rubypoc
https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/blob/master/modules/exploits/linux/local/exim4_deliver_message_priv_esc.rb

This Metasploit module exploits CVE-2019-10149, a local privilege escalation vulnerability in Exim versions 4.87 to 4.91. It leverages improper validation in the deliver_message() function to execute commands with root privileges via a crafted RCPT TO field.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Exim 4.87 - 4.91
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Local access to the target system · Exim running and accessible on a TCP port (default 25) · Write permissions in a directory (default /tmp)
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

References (21)

Core 21
Core References
Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=CVE-2019-10149
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory mailing-list
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/06/05/2
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory
https://usn.ubuntu.com/4010-1/
Mailing List, Patch, Third Party Advisory mailing-list
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/06/05/3
Exploit, Mailing List mailing-list
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/06/05/4
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory
https://www.debian.org/security/2019/dsa-4456
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory mailing-list
https://seclists.org/bugtraq/2019/Jun/5
Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory
https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201906-01
Exploit, Mailing List, Third Party Advisory mailing-list
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/06/06/1
Broken Link, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry vdb-entry
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/108679
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory vendor-advisory
http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-06/msg00020.html
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory mailing-list
http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2019/Jun/16
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory mailing-list
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/07/25/6
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory mailing-list
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/07/25/7
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory mailing-list
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2019/07/26/4
Mailing List, Third Party Advisory mailing-list
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/05/04/7

Scores

CVSS v3 9.8
EPSS 0.9392
EPSS Percentile 99.9%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation active
Automatable no
Technical Impact total

Details

CISA KEV 2022-01-10
VulnCheck KEV 2019-12-27
InTheWild.io 2019-06-09
ENISA EUVD EUVD-2019-2187
CWE
CWE-78
Status published
Products (4)
canonical/ubuntu_linux 18.04
canonical/ubuntu_linux 18.10
debian/debian_linux 9.0
exim/exim 4.87 - 4.91
Published Jun 05, 2019
KEV Added Jan 10, 2022
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026