CVE-2026-40686

Published Apr 30, 2026
·
Updated

In Exim before 4.99.2, when utf8 operators are enabled, there is an out-of-bounds read if large UTF-8 trailing characters are present (malformed UTF-8 header data). Information might be divulged within an error message produced during handling of an unrelated e-mail message.

Affected Software

2 affected components
Exim Exim<4.99.2
Exim Exim<4.99.2

Event History

Apr 30, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·10:16 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-40686?

CVE-2026-40686 is classified as a medium severity vulnerability due to its potential to disclose information via error messages.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-40686?

To fix CVE-2026-40686, upgrade Exim to version 4.99.2 or later to eliminate the out-of-bounds read vulnerability.

3

What causes CVE-2026-40686?

CVE-2026-40686 is caused by handling large malformed UTF-8 trailing characters in email header data when utf8 operators are enabled.

4

Which versions of Exim are affected by CVE-2026-40686?

Exim versions prior to 4.99.2 are affected by CVE-2026-40686.

5

What type of information could be leaked by CVE-2026-40686?

CVE-2026-40686 could potentially leak information within error messages generated during the processing of unrelated email messages.

Contact

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