HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-1999-0038
HIGHPOC

CVE-1999-0038

NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: April 26, 1997· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

8.4
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Buffer overflow in xlock program allows local users to execute commands as root.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-1999-0038 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 8.4.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-1999-0038. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.None
User InteractionNone
ScopeUnchanged
Impact
ConfidentialityHigh
IntegrityHigh
AvailabilityHigh
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected Vendors & Products

bsdi1 product(s)
bsd os
data_general1 product(s)
dg ux
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
HP1 product(s)
hp-ux
IBM1 product(s)
aix
sgi1 product(s)
irix
sun2 product(s)
solarissunos
Source: NVD CPE · 42 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

All References (2)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-1999-0038
CVSS Score8.4 / 10
SeverityHIGH
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected7 vendor(s)
PublishedApr 26, 1997

Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-1999-0038 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.