HIGH
CVE-1999-0297
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: December 12, 1996· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
7.2
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Buffer overflow in Vixie Cron library up to version 3.0 allows local users to obtain root access via a long environmental variable.
Technical Analysis
CVE-1999-0297 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
Attack VectorLocal
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Affected Vendors & Products
bsdi1 product(s)
bsd os
freebsd1 product(s)
freebsd
netbsd1 product(s)
netbsd
paul_vixie1 product(s)
vixie cron
Red Hat1 product(s)
linux
Source: NVD CPE · 5 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
Offensive Security exploit database
GitHub PoC Search
Community PoC repositories
Rapid7 / Metasploit
Metasploit module search
PacketStorm
Security advisories & exploits
NVD Detail
Official NIST entry
MITRE CVE
CVE Program entry
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.
All References (2)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-1999-0297
CVSS Score7.2 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected5 vendor(s)
PublishedDec 12, 1996
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-1999-0297 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.