CVE-1999-0297: Buffer Overflow

Published Dec 12, 1996
·
Updated

Buffer overflow in Vixie Cron library up to version 3.0 allows local users to obtain root access via a long environmental variable.

Affected Software

5 affected components
Paul Vixie Vixie Cron=3.0
NetBSD NetBSD=2.0.4
redhat Linux
BSDI Bsd Os=2.1
FreeBSD FreeBSD=2.1.0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Remove

    Remove Vixie Cron library from your environment.

    If the Vixie Cron library is not required on the system, uninstall/remove it to eliminate the vulnerable component until a vendor patch is available.

  2. Compensating control

    Limit local untrusted user access to systems that run the Vixie Cron library and restrict execution of the cron binary to trusted accounts only until a vendor patch or fixed version is installed.

Event History

Dec 12, 1996
CVE Published
05:00 AM
Data Sourced
via NVD·05:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 4, 2000
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Description
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-1999-0297?

CVE-1999-0297 is considered a high severity vulnerability due to the potential for local users to gain root access.

2

How do I fix CVE-1999-0297?

To fix CVE-1999-0297, upgrade the Vixie Cron library to a version higher than 3.0.

3

Who is affected by CVE-1999-0297?

Local users on systems running Vixie Cron version 3.0 or earlier are affected by CVE-1999-0297.

4

What systems are vulnerable to CVE-1999-0297?

CVE-1999-0297 affects systems running Vixie Cron version 3.0 and specific versions of BSD, FreeBSD, and RedHat Linux.

5

What type of vulnerability is CVE-1999-0297?

CVE-1999-0297 is a buffer overflow vulnerability that allows for unauthorized root access through environmental variables.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203