How severe is CVE-1999-1165?

CVE-1999-1165 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-1999-1165 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (37th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-1999-1165?

CVE-1999-1165 affects Gnu Fingerd. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-1999-1165?

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-1999-1165 published?

CVE-1999-1165 was published on 1999-07-21 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-1999-1165

CVE-1999-1165 is a high-severity vulnerability in Gnu Fingerd 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% (37th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Gnu Fingerd
Published: 1999-07-21
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

GNU fingerd 1.37 does not properly drop privileges before accessing user information, which could allow local users to (1) gain root privileges via a malicious program in the .fingerrc file, or (2) read arbitrary files via symbolic links from .plan, .forward, or .project files.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-1165?: GNU fingerd 1.37 does not properly drop privileges before accessing user information, which could allow local users to (1) gain root privileges via a malicious program in the .fingerrc file, or (2) read arbitrary files via symbolic links from .plan, .forward, or .project files.
How severe is CVE-1999-1165?: CVE-1999-1165 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-1999-1165 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (37th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-1165?: CVE-1999-1165 affects Gnu Fingerd. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-1165?: 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-1999-1165 published?: CVE-1999-1165 was published on 1999-07-21 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:gnu:fingerd:1.37:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Gnu Fingerd

CVE-1999-0150 — High (CVSS 7.5): The Perl fingerd program allows arbitrary command execution from remote users.
CVE-1999-0612: A version of finger is running that exposes valid user information to any entity on the network.

All CVEs affecting Gnu Fingerd →