HIGH
CVE-1999-0872
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: August 25, 1999· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
7.2
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Buffer overflow in Vixie cron allows local users to gain root access via a long MAILTO environment variable in a crontab file.
Technical Analysis
CVE-1999-0872 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
caldera1 product(s)
openlinux
Debian1 product(s)
debian linux
paul_vixie1 product(s)
vixie cron
Red Hat1 product(s)
linux
Source: NVD CPE · 11 total CPE entries
Exploit & PoC Resources
NO KNOWN EXPLOITNo public exploit confirmed at this time
Exploit-DB
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GitHub PoC Search
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Rapid7 / Metasploit
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PacketStorm
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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 (4)
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-1999-0872
CVSS Score7.2 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected4 vendor(s)
PublishedAug 25, 1999
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-1999-0872 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.