CVE-1999-0690 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
HP CDE program includes the current directory in root's PATH variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-0690 represents a classic privilege escalation issue within the HP CDE (HP Common Desktop Environment) program. This flaw exists in the way the program handles the PATH environment variable during execution, specifically when running with root privileges. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution by exploiting the insecure PATH handling mechanism that incorporates the current working directory into the root's PATH variable.
The technical flaw stems from the improper initialization of environment variables within the HP CDE program. When the program executes with elevated privileges, it inherits the current working directory as part of the PATH environment variable. This creates a dangerous condition where any executable named in the PATH can be replaced by a malicious version, and the system will execute the attacker-controlled binary instead of the legitimate system command. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which specifically addresses the issue of programs executing unintended code when the search path contains untrusted directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to escalate privileges from a regular user to root level access. An attacker need only place a malicious executable with the same name as a commonly used system command in the current working directory from which the HP CDE program is launched. This allows for complete system compromise without requiring additional authentication or exploitation techniques. The vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the use of privilege escalation techniques through insecure program execution paths.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the HP CDE software to properly initialize the PATH variable without including the current directory. System administrators should ensure that the PATH variable is explicitly set to trusted directories only, avoiding the inclusion of "." or current directory references. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions and using absolute paths for all executables can prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system commands. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper environment variable handling in privilege escalation scenarios. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for suspicious PATH modifications and ensure that all system components are regularly updated to address known security flaws. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical nature of environment variable security in Unix-like systems and the potential for seemingly minor configuration issues to result in complete system compromise.