hMailServer: Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity
CVE-2026-107579 is a high-severity inefficient algorithmic complexity vulnerability in hMailServer from Progressive Robot, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 6.3.6 as the first without the flaw, so updating hMailServer to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.35% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update hMailServer to 6.3.6 or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive Robot | hMailServer | 6.3.4 up to, but not including, 6.3.6 | 6.3.6 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by CNA (gitlab.com).
Official description
Inefficient algorithmic complexity in the bounce and complaint processing of Progressive Robot hMailServer 6.3.4 and 6.3.5 allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to stop mail delivery by sending messages, when bounce processing or complaint processing is enabled or a mailing list is managed by the server (none is by default). The readers of incoming delivery status notifications (RFC 3464) and abuse feedback reports (RFC 5965) removed the blank lines at the start of the returned headers part two bytes at a time, copying the rest of the part each time, so their work grew with the square of the number of blank lines. A message shaped like such a report, whose headers part begins with a very large number of blank lines within the reader's 2 MB limit, keeps a delivery thread busy for over a minute while it is delivered, and a few such messages a minute keep every delivery thread busy.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity
An algorithm in a product has an inefficient worst-case computational complexity that may be detrimental to system performance and can be triggered by an attacker, typically using crafted manipulations that ensure that the worst case is being reached.
More Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity vulnerabilities (CWE-407)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in hMailServer
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity vulnerabilities
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.