CVE-1999-1182 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
buffer overflow in run-time linkers (1) ld.so or (2) ld-linux.so for linux systems allows local users to gain privileges by calling a setuid program with a long program name (argv[0]) and forcing ld.so/ld-linux.so to report an error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-1182 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the runtime linkers of linux systems, specifically affecting ld.so and ld-linux.so components. This flaw exists in the handling of program arguments during the dynamic linking process, where the system fails to properly validate the length of the first argument passed to a setuid program. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the inherent privilege escalation mechanisms of setuid binaries, creating a pathway for local attackers to potentially execute code with elevated privileges. The attack vector involves crafting a specially long argv[0] parameter when invoking a setuid program, which triggers the buffer overflow in the runtime linker's error reporting mechanism. This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and more specifically aligns with CWE-787, representing out-of-bounds write conditions that can occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the interaction between the dynamic linker and the program argument processing system. When a setuid program is executed, the runtime linker must process the program name and other arguments to resolve shared library dependencies. The buffer overflow occurs in the error reporting code path of ld.so or ld-linux.so, where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This memory corruption can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical control data structures, enabling arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it requires no network connectivity and can be exploited locally, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network-based security measures. The attack demonstrates the classic privilege escalation pattern where a local user leverages a flaw in system components to gain elevated privileges without requiring authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-1999-1182 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the setuid program, which may include root access if the program is properly configured. The vulnerability affects systems where setuid programs are commonly used, particularly those that rely on dynamic linking and may be invoked with user-controlled arguments. This flaw represents a fundamental security issue in the linux kernel's dynamic linking infrastructure, as it demonstrates that even core system components can contain buffer overflow vulnerabilities that can be exploited to bypass security controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation in system-level code, particularly in components that handle user-supplied data during program execution. Organizations running affected systems face significant risk, as this vulnerability can be exploited by any local user with the ability to execute setuid programs, potentially leading to persistent access and further compromise of system resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-1999-1182 must address both the immediate exploitation and the underlying architectural issues that allow such vulnerabilities to persist. The primary recommendation involves patching the affected runtime linker components with proper bounds checking and input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflows during error reporting. System administrators should also implement strict monitoring of setuid program execution and audit logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by minimizing the number of setuid programs on systems and ensuring that existing setuid binaries are properly configured with minimal required privileges. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as those outlined in the software security guidelines from the CERT/CC and the OWASP secure coding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing address space layout randomization and stack canaries as additional defenses against similar buffer overflow exploits. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other system components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the need for comprehensive security reviews of core system infrastructure rather than isolated fixes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically noting the use of runtime linkers as a vector for exploitation, making it important for security teams to understand and monitor for similar patterns across their environments.