CVE-1999-1494 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
colorview in Silicon Graphics IRIX 5.1, 5.2, and 6.0 allows local attackers to read arbitrary files via the -text argument.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-1494 affects the colorview utility in Silicon Graphics IRIX operating system versions 5.1, 5.2, and 6.0. This represents a classic privilege escalation and information disclosure flaw that demonstrates poor input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the system's graphical utilities. The colorview application, designed for image processing and display, contains a critical flaw in how it handles command-line arguments, specifically the -text parameter that allows local users to bypass normal file access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the colorview utility. When a local attacker provides a malicious -text argument, the application fails to properly validate or restrict the file paths being accessed, allowing arbitrary file reading capabilities. This flaw operates at the command-line interface level and leverages the inherent permissions of the executing process to access files that should normally be restricted. The vulnerability manifests as a direct consequence of insufficient input validation mechanisms that should have prevented unauthorized file system traversal and access.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to IRIX systems running the affected versions. Local attackers can exploit this flaw to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially user credentials or application data without proper authorization. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as it provides attackers with the means to gather intelligence about the system's configuration, file structure, and potentially identify additional vulnerabilities. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where IRIX is used for high-security applications, as it undermines the fundamental principle of least privilege and file access controls that are essential for maintaining system integrity.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and CWE-73, which covers hardcoded search paths or library paths. These classifications reflect the core issue of insufficient input validation and improper path handling within the application. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1005, Data from Local System, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to extract system information through command-line utilities. The attack vector requires local system access, making it a post-compromise exploitation technique that can be leveraged after initial system compromise or as a standalone local privilege escalation method.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the affected IRIX versions through official vendor updates, which would address the improper input validation in the colorview utility. System administrators should also implement mandatory access controls and file permission restrictions to limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unauthorized execution of the colorview utility, implementing application whitelisting policies, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar input validation flaws in other system utilities. The fundamental solution requires robust input validation mechanisms that prevent arbitrary file access through command-line parameters, ensuring that all user-supplied inputs are properly sanitized before being processed by system utilities.