CVE-1999-1145 in HP-UX
Summary
by MITRE
vulnerability in glance programs in glanceplus for hp-ux 10.20 and earlier allows local users to access arbitrary files and gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-1145 represents a critical security flaw within the glance programs of glanceplus for hp-ux version 10.20 and earlier systems. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the glanceplus software suite, which is commonly used for displaying and managing images on hp-ux operating systems. The flaw manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows local users to bypass normal access restrictions and gain unauthorized access to files that should otherwise be protected. The vulnerability specifically affects the glance programs that handle image processing and display functionalities, creating an attack surface where malicious local users can exploit the software's file access mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a lack of proper input validation and access control checks within the glance programs. When these programs process image files or interact with system resources, they fail to properly verify user permissions or validate file paths, creating opportunities for privilege escalation. The flaw can be exploited through manipulation of file access parameters or by leveraging the programs' handling of symbolic links and file permissions. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, which specifically addresses inadequate access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to access resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local user level, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive files that are normally restricted to system administrators.
The operational impact of CVE-1999-1145 is significant for organizations running hp-ux systems with vulnerable versions of glanceplus. Local privilege escalation vulnerabilities of this nature can enable attackers to gain root or administrator access to systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Once exploited, attackers can access confidential data, modify system files, install malicious software, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where multiple users have legitimate access to the system but should not possess administrative privileges. The attack vector is relatively simple to execute, requiring only local system access and basic knowledge of the software's behavior, making it a preferred target for malicious insiders or attackers who have already gained foothold on the system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers privilege escalation through local exploits and T1548 which covers abuse of privileged software.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate system updates and patches provided by hp-ux vendors. Organizations should upgrade to hp-ux versions that include fixed implementations of the glanceplus programs, specifically targeting version 10.21 or later where the access control issues have been resolved. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting local user access to the affected programs, monitoring file access patterns, and conducting regular security audits of system configurations. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to the affected programs. Security awareness training for system administrators regarding the importance of keeping software updated and monitoring for suspicious access patterns can also help reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and the need for regular security assessments of system components to identify and remediate potential privilege escalation vectors.