HIGH
CVE-1999-1471
NVD-CWE-OtherPublished: January 1, 1989· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
7.2
CVSS v3.1
Official Description
Buffer overflow in passwd in BSD based operating systems 4.3 and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges by specifying a long shell or GECOS field.
Technical Analysis
CVE-1999-1471 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
bsd1 product(s)
bsd
Source: NVD CPE · 2 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.
Official Patches & Advisories
All References (6)
→
http://www.cert.org/advisories/CA-1989-01.htmlPatch · Third Party Advisory · US Government Resource
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/4Patch · Vendor Advisory
→
http://www.cert.org/advisories/CA-1989-01.htmlPatch · Third Party Advisory · US Government Resource
→
http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/4Patch · Vendor Advisory
Quick Facts
CVE IDCVE-1999-1471
CVSS Score7.2 / 10
SeverityHIGH
WeaknessNVD-CWE-Other
CISA KEVNo
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedJan 1, 1989
Related CVEs (NVD-CWE-Other)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-1999-1471 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.