HIGH
CVE-1999-0421
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: March 17, 1999· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
7.2
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
During a reboot after an installation of Linux Slackware 3.6, a remote attacker can obtain root access by logging in to the root account without a password.
Technical Analysis
CVE-1999-0421 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
slackware1 product(s)
slackware linux
Source: NVD CPE · 1 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
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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.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (4)
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/338Exploit · Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/338Exploit · Patch · Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-1999-0421
CVSS Score7.2 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedMar 17, 1999
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-1999-0421 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.