CVE-1999-1048

CVE-1999-1048 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Debian Debian Linux with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.6. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Description

Buffer overflow in bash 2.0.0, 1.4.17, and other versions allows local attackers to gain privileges by creating an extremely large directory name, which is inserted into the password prompt via the \w option in the PS1 environmental variable when another user changes into that directory.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-1048?
Buffer overflow in bash 2.0.0, 1.4.17, and other versions allows local attackers to gain privileges by creating an extremely large directory name, which is inserted into the password prompt via the \w option in the PS1 environmental variable when another user changes into that directory.
How severe is CVE-1999-1048?
CVE-1999-1048 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 4.6, rated medium severity.
Is CVE-1999-1048 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (41st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-1048?
CVE-1999-1048 primarily affects Debian Debian Linux. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-1048?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-1999-1048 published?
CVE-1999-1048 was published on 1998-09-05 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

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