CVE-1999-1067 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
SGI MachineInfo CGI program, installed by default on some web servers, prints potentially sensitive system status information, which could be used by remote attackers for information gathering activities.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2026
The SGI MachineInfo CGI program represents a significant information disclosure vulnerability that has persisted since the late 1990s, affecting web servers configured with SGI (Silicon Graphics Inc.) software components. This vulnerability stems from the default installation of a CGI script that provides extensive system status information when accessed through a web browser. The program's design flaw lies in its lack of proper access controls and authentication mechanisms, allowing any remote attacker to retrieve detailed system configuration data including hardware specifications, operating system details, network configuration, and potentially sensitive system parameters. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes information exposure flaws that occur when systems inadvertently reveal sensitive information to unauthorized users. The issue manifests as a critical weakness in the principle of least privilege, where system information that should remain restricted is made freely accessible through a simple web request.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the CGI program's execution in response to HTTP requests without requiring authentication or authorization checks. When accessed, the MachineInfo CGI script gathers and displays system information through direct system calls and file reads that bypass normal access controls. This includes details such as CPU type and speed, memory configuration, disk space usage, network interface information, and potentially even running processes and system uptime metrics. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack and can be exploited through simple GET requests to the specific CGI endpoint. Attackers can leverage this information to build comprehensive profiles of target systems, identifying potential attack vectors, system weaknesses, and configuration issues that could be exploited in subsequent phases of an attack. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1082, which describes discovery of system information through the enumeration of system components and network connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating a foundation for more sophisticated attacks that rely on reconnaissance data. Remote attackers can use the collected information to tailor subsequent exploitation attempts, potentially identifying system-specific vulnerabilities, outdated software versions, or misconfigurations that would otherwise remain hidden. The vulnerability's persistence in default configurations means that organizations may unknowingly expose sensitive system details to anyone who can reach the web server, creating a persistent risk that can be exploited by automated scanning tools. The information gathered through this vulnerability can be used for various malicious activities including system fingerprinting, vulnerability assessment, and planning targeted attacks against specific system components. This creates a cascading security risk where initial reconnaissance leads to more serious exploitation opportunities, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where web servers are publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate remediation through configuration changes and access control implementations. Organizations should immediately disable or remove the MachineInfo CGI program from web servers unless absolutely necessary for legitimate administrative purposes. When the program must remain active, strict access controls should be implemented through web server configuration files or authentication mechanisms to restrict access to authorized personnel only. Network segmentation and firewall rules can also help limit access to systems running this vulnerable CGI program. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized CGI scripts remain installed on web servers, and automated scanning tools should be configured to detect and alert on the presence of such information disclosure vulnerabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can provide additional layers of protection by detecting and blocking unauthorized access attempts to sensitive CGI endpoints. Organizations should also ensure that system administrators regularly review and update their web server configurations to prevent the accidental re-enablement of potentially dangerous default components.