# CVE-2020-7247: OpenSMTPD Remote Code Execution Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2020-7247-opensmtpd-remote-code-execution-vulnerability  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2022-03-25. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2020-7247 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2022-03-25

A remote code execution vulnerability exists in OpenSMTPD's smtp_mailaddr function due to incorrect input validation of the MAIL FROM field. Attackers can exploit this via shell metacharacters in a crafted SMTP session to execute arbitrary commands as root in the default configuration.

Vendors: [OpenBSD](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/openbsd).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2020-7247 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2020-7247 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 25 March 2022. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2020-7247?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 25 March 2022.

**Which products and versions are affected?** OpenBSD OpenSMTPD 6.6; OpenBSD OpenBSD 6.6.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2020-7247?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2020-7247 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-2020-7247?** Check whether you run OpenBSD OpenSMTPD. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- OpenBSD OpenSMTPD 6.6
- OpenBSD OpenBSD 6.6

## Timeline

- 2020-01-28: disclosed: Initial public disclosure via Openwall and Seclists
- 2022-03-25: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
- 2022-03-25: exploited: Confirmed as exploited in the wild per CISA KEV entry