CVE-1999-0480 in Midnight Commander
Summary
by MITRE
Local attackers can conduct a denial of service in Midnight Commander 4.x with a symlink attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-0480 represents a significant security flaw in Midnight Commander version 4.x that enables local attackers to execute denial of service attacks through symlink manipulation. This issue stems from the file manager's inadequate handling of symbolic links during file operations, creating a pathway for malicious users to disrupt normal system functionality. The vulnerability specifically targets the local privilege escalation model where attackers with limited access can exploit the software's processing mechanisms to cause system instability or complete service unavailability.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper validation and resolution of symbolic links within Midnight Commander's file traversal algorithms. When the application encounters a symlink during directory operations or file manipulation, it fails to properly verify the target path or implement adequate safeguards against recursive or circular link references. This flaw allows attackers to create malicious symlink structures that can cause the application to enter infinite loops, consume excessive system resources, or crash entirely. The vulnerability operates at the file system interaction level and demonstrates poor input validation practices that align with common weakness patterns described in CWE-367, which addresses the issue of time-of-check to time-of-use race conditions and symbolic link manipulation attacks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risks for systems running Midnight Commander 4.x, particularly in multi-user environments where local privilege escalation is possible. The denial of service attack can render the file manager completely unusable, forcing users to restart the application or reboot systems to restore normal functionality. This disruption affects not only individual users but can also impact system administrators who rely on the tool for routine operations and file management tasks. The vulnerability's local nature means it requires attackers to already have some level of access to the system, but it can be particularly damaging in environments where users might have limited but persistent access through legitimate means.
The attack vector for this vulnerability involves creating carefully crafted symbolic link structures that exploit the application's path resolution mechanisms. Attackers can place malicious symlinks in directories that Midnight Commander traverses, causing the application to follow these links in ways that exhaust system resources or trigger application crashes. This type of attack falls under the broader category of path traversal and symbolic link abuse techniques that are commonly documented in security frameworks. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it can be exploited without requiring elevated privileges beyond what a normal user might already possess, making it a significant concern for system security posture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper symlink validation and path resolution controls within Midnight Commander's codebase. System administrators should ensure that all instances of Midnight Commander are updated to versions that address this specific flaw, as the vulnerability was likely resolved in subsequent releases. The implementation of proper access controls and monitoring for suspicious symlink creation activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing security measures that limit the ability of local users to create symbolic links in critical directories or that implement automated scanning for potentially malicious link structures. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and path resolution handling in file management applications, aligning with fundamental security principles outlined in various industry standards and best practices for preventing similar weaknesses in software development processes.