CVE-1999-0266 in info2www
Summary
by MITRE
the info2www cgi script allows remote file access or remote command execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2025
The CVE-1999-0266 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the info2www CGI script that was widely deployed in web servers during the late 1990s era. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the CGI script implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit remote file access and command execution capabilities. The issue specifically affects web servers that utilize the info2www utility, which was commonly used to convert information files into web pages, making it a prevalent target for attackers seeking to compromise web server infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient validation of user-supplied input parameters that are passed to the info2www CGI script. When users provide malicious input through web forms or URL parameters, the script fails to properly sanitize these inputs before processing them. This lack of input validation creates a condition where attackers can manipulate the script to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem or execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of several CWE categories including CWE-22 for improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory and CWE-78 for improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, making it a compound security weakness that amplifies its impact.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with complete command execution capabilities on the affected system. This means that adversaries can potentially gain full control over the web server, extract sensitive data, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires minimal technical skill and can be automated through various attack tools, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment. Organizations running vulnerable systems face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential compliance violations, especially in regulated environments where data protection is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-1999-0266 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, proper input validation implementation, and network-level restrictions. System administrators should disable or remove vulnerable CGI scripts from web servers, implement proper access controls, and deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and script execution and T1005 for data from local system, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable CGI scripts and ensure that all web applications follow secure coding practices that prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Regular security updates and proper configuration management are essential to prevent exploitation of this and similar legacy vulnerabilities in modern web server environments.