CVE-1999-0046

Buffer overflow of rlogin program using TERM environmental variable

published September 29, 1999

Patch now

High probability of exploitation

NVD has not assigned a CVSS score to this record. It sits in the 99.0th percentile for exploit probability.

CVSS
—
EPSS
52%
Percentile
99.0
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky buffer overflow in the rlogin program lets the TERM environment variable overflow with unexpected data — think of it like a suitcase that's so overstuffed it bursts open! Imagine trying to cram one too many sweaters into your suitcase for a trip, only for it to pop open in the airport. That’s what happens here when the rlogin program encounters unexpected input—it can overflow and allow an attacker access to your system! If exploited, an attacker could potentially gain unauthorized access to the system, leading to all sorts of chaos—like rifling through your private belongings after the suitcase bursts. While this vulnerability has not been widely exploited, it remains a risk worth addressing before it becomes a bigger problem!

Put simply

Imagine trying to cram one too many sweaters into your suitcase for a trip, only for it to pop open in the airport. That’s what happens here when the rlogin program encounters unexpected input—it can overflow and allow an attacker access to your system! This vulnerability is due to a buffer overflow in the rlogin program when handling the TERM environmental variable, allowing for injection of excessive data, which can lead to arbitrary code execution or system takeover.

What to do

If exploited, an attacker could potentially gain unauthorized access to the system, leading to all sorts of chaos—like rifling through your private belongings after the suitcase bursts. While this vulnerability has not been widely exploited, it remains a risk worth addressing before it becomes a bigger problem! To secure your system, update the rlogin software to the latest patched version, and consider disabling or restricting its use if possible. Regularly review and monitor environment variables to ensure they’re not misconfigured or hijacked. You’ve got this! With these steps, you’ll shore up your defenses and keep your systems safe from potential overflow mishaps. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.51878 · 99.0th percentile
Published
1999-09-29T04:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 29 SEP 04:00Z
    Buffer overflow of rlogin program using TERM environmental variable
    cvelistv5