CVE-1999-1407: Low severity redhat Linux vulnerability

Published Mar 9, 1998
·
Updated

ifdhcpc-done script for configuring DHCP on Red Hat Linux 5 allows local users to append text to arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the dhcplog file.

Affected Software

1 affected component
redhat Linux=5.0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Remove

    Remove ifdhcpc-done (Red Hat Linux) from your environment.

    If the ifdhcpc-done script is not required, uninstall or disable it to remove the vulnerable functionality (disable DHCP client hooks that invoke the script).

  2. Configuration

    Ensure the dhcplog file is owned by root and is not writable by unprivileged users (for example, set ownership to root:root and restrict permissions so only root can write). This prevents local users from creating a symlink to cause the script to append to arbitrary files.

    dhcplog (used by ifdhcpc-done) file permissions/ownership = owner: root; not writable by unprivileged users

Event History

Mar 9, 1998
CVE Published
05:00 AM
Data Sourced
via NVD·05:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Mar 9, 2002
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-1999-1407?

CVE-1999-1407 is considered a moderate severity vulnerability due to its potential for local users to manipulate files via a symlink attack.

2

How do I fix CVE-1999-1407?

To fix CVE-1999-1407, ensure that the permissions on the dhcplog file are set correctly to prevent unauthorized access by local users.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-1999-1407?

CVE-1999-1407 affects Red Hat Linux version 5.0.

4

What type of attack is involved in CVE-1999-1407?

CVE-1999-1407 involves a symlink attack that allows local users to append text to arbitrary files.

5

Can CVE-1999-1407 be exploited remotely?

CVE-1999-1407 cannot be exploited remotely, as it requires local user access to the affected system.

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