CVE-1999-1434

CVE-1999-1434 is a high-severity vulnerability in Slackware Slackware Linux 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

Description

login in Slackware Linux 3.2 through 3.5 does not properly check for an error when the /etc/group file is missing, which prevents it from dropping privileges, causing it to assign root privileges to any local user who logs on to the server.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-1434?
login in Slackware Linux 3.2 through 3.5 does not properly check for an error when the /etc/group file is missing, which prevents it from dropping privileges, causing it to assign root privileges to any local user who logs on to the server.
How severe is CVE-1999-1434?
CVE-1999-1434 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 7.2, rated high severity.
Is CVE-1999-1434 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (52nd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-1434?
CVE-1999-1434 primarily affects Slackware Slackware Linux. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-1434?
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-1999-1434 published?
CVE-1999-1434 was published on 1998-07-13 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (5)

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