How severe is CVE-1999-0138?

CVE-1999-0138 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-1999-0138 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (49th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-1999-0138?

CVE-1999-0138 primarily affects Apple A Ux. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-1999-0138?

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-1999-0138 published?

CVE-1999-0138 was published on 1996-06-26 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-1999-0138

CVE-1999-0138 is a high-severity vulnerability in Apple A Ux 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% (49th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Apple A Ux
Published: 1996-06-26
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The suidperl and sperl program do not give up root privileges when changing UIDs back to the original users, allowing root access.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-0138?: The suidperl and sperl program do not give up root privileges when changing UIDs back to the original users, allowing root access.
How severe is CVE-1999-0138?: CVE-1999-0138 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-1999-0138 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (49th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-0138?: CVE-1999-0138 primarily affects Apple A Ux. In total, 16 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-0138?: 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-1999-0138 published?: CVE-1999-0138 was published on 1996-06-26 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0138

Affected products (16)

cpe:2.3:o:apple:a_ux:3.1.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:digital:osf_1:1.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:freebsd:freebsd:2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:freebsd:freebsd:2.0.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:freebsd:freebsd:2.1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:hp:hp-ux:8:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:hp:hp-ux:9:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:hp:hp-ux:10:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:3.2.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:ibm:aix:4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:1.2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:linux:linux_kernel:2.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:nec:asl_ux_4800:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:nec:ews-ux_v:4.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:nec:ews-ux_v:4.2mp:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:nec:up-ux_v:4.2mp:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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