How severe is CVE-1999-0297?

CVE-1999-0297 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-1999-0297 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (32nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-1999-0297?

CVE-1999-0297 primarily affects Paul Vixie Vixie Cron. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-1999-0297?

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-1999-0297 published?

CVE-1999-0297 was published on 1996-12-12 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-1999-0297

CVE-1999-0297 is a high-severity vulnerability in Paul Vixie Vixie Cron 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% (32nd percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Paul Vixie Vixie Cron
Published: 1996-12-12
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Buffer overflow in Vixie Cron library up to version 3.0 allows local users to obtain root access via a long environmental variable.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-0297?: Buffer overflow in Vixie Cron library up to version 3.0 allows local users to obtain root access via a long environmental variable.
How severe is CVE-1999-0297?: CVE-1999-0297 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-1999-0297 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (32nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-0297?: CVE-1999-0297 primarily affects Paul Vixie Vixie Cron. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-0297?: 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-1999-0297 published?: CVE-1999-0297 was published on 1996-12-12 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0297

Affected products (5)

cpe:2.3:a:paul_vixie:vixie_cron:3.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:bsdi:bsd_os:2.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:freebsd:freebsd:2.1.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netbsd:netbsd:2.0.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:redhat:linux:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Paul Vixie Vixie Cron

CVE-2006-2607 — High (CVSS 7.2): do_command.c in Vixie cron (vixie-cron) 4.1 does not check the return code of a setuid call, which might allow local…
CVE-2001-0559 — High (CVSS 7.2): crontab in Vixie cron 3.0.1 and earlier does not properly drop privileges after the failed parsing of a modification…
CVE-1999-0769 — High (CVSS 7.2): Vixie Cron on Linux systems allows local users to set parameters of sendmail commands via the MAILTO environmental…
CVE-1999-0872 — High (CVSS 7.2): Buffer overflow in Vixie cron allows local users to gain root access via a long MAILTO environment variable in a…
CVE-2001-0560 — Medium (CVSS 4.6): Buffer overflow in Vixie cron 3.0.1-56 and earlier could allow a local attacker to gain additional privileges via a…
CVE-2000-1096 — Low (CVSS 3.7): crontab by Paul Vixie uses predictable file names for a temporary file and does not properly ensure that the file is…

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