How severe is CVE-1999-0163?

CVE-1999-0163 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-1999-0163 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (35th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-1999-0163?

CVE-1999-0163 affects Eric Allman Sendmail. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-1999-0163?

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-1999-0163 published?

CVE-1999-0163 was published on 1997-01-01 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-1999-0163

CVE-1999-0163 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: 0% (35th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Eric Allman Sendmail
Published: 1997-01-01
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

In older versions of Sendmail, an attacker could use a pipe character to execute root commands.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-0163?: In older versions of Sendmail, an attacker could use a pipe character to execute root commands.
How severe is CVE-1999-0163?: CVE-1999-0163 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-1999-0163 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (35th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-0163?: CVE-1999-0163 affects Eric Allman Sendmail. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-0163?: 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-1999-0163 published?: CVE-1999-0163 was published on 1997-01-01 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-1999-0163

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:eric_allman:sendmail:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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-1999-0130 — High (CVSS 7.2): Local users can start Sendmail in daemon mode and gain root privileges.

All CVEs affecting Eric Allman Sendmail →