How severe is CVE-1999-0131?

CVE-1999-0131 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-1999-0131 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (43rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-1999-0131?

CVE-1999-0131 primarily affects Eric Allman Sendmail. In total, 19 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-1999-0131?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-1999-0131 published?

CVE-1999-0131 was published on 1996-09-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-1999-0131

CVE-1999-0131 is a high-severity vulnerability in Eric Allman Sendmail with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 2.0 base score 7.2)
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (43rd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Eric Allman Sendmail
Published: 1996-09-11
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Buffer overflow and denial of service in Sendmail 8.7.5 and earlier through GECOS field gives root access to local users.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-0131?: Buffer overflow and denial of service in Sendmail 8.7.5 and earlier through GECOS field gives root access to local users.
How severe is CVE-1999-0131?: CVE-1999-0131 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-1999-0131 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (43rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-0131?: CVE-1999-0131 primarily affects Eric Allman Sendmail. In total, 19 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-0131?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-1999-0131 published?: CVE-1999-0131 was published on 1996-09-11 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/717

Affected products (19)

cpe:2.3:a:eric_allman:sendmail:8.6:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:eric_allman:sendmail:8.7.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:eric_allman:sendmail:8.7.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:eric_allman:sendmail:8.7.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:eric_allman:sendmail:8.7.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:eric_allman:sendmail:8.7.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:bsdi:bsd_os:2.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:digital:osf_1:1.3.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:freebsd:freebsd:2.1.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:hp:hp-ux:10.01:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:hp:hp-ux:10.10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:hp:hp-ux:10.20:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:3.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:4.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:4.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:linux:3.0.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sco:internet_faststart:1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sco:openserver:5.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sco:openserver:5.0.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Eric Allman Sendmail

CVE-1999-0047 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): MIME conversion buffer overflow in sendmail versions 8.8.3 and 8.8.4.
CVE-1999-0204 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Sendmail 8.6.9 allows remote attackers to execute root commands, using ident.
CVE-1999-0206 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): MIME buffer overflow in Sendmail 8.8.0 and 8.8.1 gives root access.
CVE-1999-0203 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): In Sendmail, attackers can gain root privileges via SMTP by specifying an improper "mail from" address and an invalid…
CVE-1999-0095 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): The debug command in Sendmail is enabled, allowing attackers to execute commands as root.
CVE-1999-0163 — High (CVSS 7.2): In older versions of Sendmail, an attacker could use a pipe character to execute root commands.

All CVEs affecting Eric Allman Sendmail →