CVE-1999-1549

CVE-1999-1549 is a high-severity vulnerability in Lynx Project Lynx with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-346.

Key facts

Description

Lynx 2.x does not properly distinguish between internal and external HTML, which may allow a local attacker to read a "secure" hidden form value from a temporary file and craft a LYNXOPTIONS: URL that causes Lynx to modify the user's configuration file and execute commands.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-1549?
Lynx 2.x does not properly distinguish between internal and external HTML, which may allow a local attacker to read a "secure" hidden form value from a temporary file and craft a LYNXOPTIONS: URL that causes Lynx to modify the user's configuration file and execute commands.
How severe is CVE-1999-1549?
CVE-1999-1549 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-1999-1549 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (43rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-1549?
CVE-1999-1549 primarily affects Lynx Project Lynx. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-1549?
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-1999-1549 published?
CVE-1999-1549 was published on 1999-11-16 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (2)

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