How severe is CVE-1999-1191?

CVE-1999-1191 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.

Is CVE-1999-1191 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (78th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-1999-1191?

CVE-1999-1191 primarily affects Sun Solaris. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-1999-1191?

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-1999-1191 published?

CVE-1999-1191 was published on 1997-05-19 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-1999-1191

CVE-1999-1191 is a high-severity vulnerability in Sun Solaris 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: 2% (78th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Sun Solaris
Published: 1997-05-19
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

Buffer overflow in chkey in Solaris 2.5.1 and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges via a long command line argument.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-1191?: Buffer overflow in chkey in Solaris 2.5.1 and earlier allows local users to gain root privileges via a long command line argument.
How severe is CVE-1999-1191?: CVE-1999-1191 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-1999-1191 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (78th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-1191?: CVE-1999-1191 primarily affects Sun Solaris. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-1191?: 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-1999-1191 published?: CVE-1999-1191 was published on 1997-05-19 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:o:sun:solaris:2.4:*:x86:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sun:solaris:2.5:*:x86:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sun:solaris:2.5.1:*:x86:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sun:sunos:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sun:sunos:5.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:sun:sunos:5.5:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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