How severe is CVE-1999-1540?

CVE-1999-1540 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1, rated low severity.

Is CVE-1999-1540 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (17th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-1999-1540?

CVE-1999-1540 affects Cactus Software Shell-lock. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-1999-1540?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-1999-1540 published?

CVE-1999-1540 was published on 1999-10-04 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

CVE-1999-1540

CVE-1999-1540 is a low-severity vulnerability in Cactus Software Shell-lock with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low.

Key facts

Severity: Low (CVSS 2.0 base score 2.1)
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (17th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Affected product: Cactus Software Shell-lock
Published: 1999-10-04
Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

shell-lock in Cactus Software Shell Lock uses weak encryption (trivial encoding) which allows attackers to easily decrypt and obtain the source code.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-1540?: shell-lock in Cactus Software Shell Lock uses weak encryption (trivial encoding) which allows attackers to easily decrypt and obtain the source code.
How severe is CVE-1999-1540?: CVE-1999-1540 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1, rated low severity.
Is CVE-1999-1540 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (17th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-1540?: CVE-1999-1540 affects Cactus Software Shell-lock. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-1540?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-1999-1540 published?: CVE-1999-1540 was published on 1999-10-04 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:cactus_software:shell-lock:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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