CVE-1999-1536 in SalesBuilder
Summary
by MITRE
.sbstart startup script in AcuShop Salesbuilder is world writable, which allows local users to gain privileges by appending commands to the file.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-1999-1536 resides within the AcuShop Salesbuilder software suite, specifically targeting the .sbstart startup script component. This issue represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability that emerged during an era when system security practices were less mature than they are today. The fundamental flaw lies in the improper file permissions assigned to the .sbstart script, which has been configured with world-writable permissions, allowing any local user to modify its contents. This configuration violates the principle of least privilege and creates a significant security risk within the system's access control framework.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward yet dangerous mechanism. Since the .sbstart script is world-writable, any local user can append malicious commands to it, effectively gaining the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user who owns the script. This typically means that if the script runs with elevated privileges, such as those of the root user or a privileged system account, the local attacker can leverage this to escalate their privileges to the highest possible level. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require any special authentication or network access, making it accessible to anyone with local system access. This aligns with CWE-276, which classifies improper file permissions as a weakness that allows unauthorized users to modify files that should be protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. Once an attacker successfully modifies the .sbstart script, they can establish persistent access to the system, install backdoors, or execute commands that could lead to complete system takeover. The vulnerability affects the overall security posture of systems running AcuShop Salesbuilder, as it provides a low-effort, high-impact attack vector that can be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who gain local access. This weakness creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly until the file permissions are corrected, making it a particularly dangerous vulnerability in environments where local access is not strictly controlled.
Security mitigations for CVE-1999-1536 should focus on immediate remediation of the file permission settings and implementation of proper access control measures. The most direct solution involves changing the file permissions of the .sbstart script to prevent world-writable access, ensuring that only authorized users or processes can modify the script. This remediation should be accompanied by regular security audits to identify and correct similar permission issues across the system. Organizations should implement proper file permission management practices and consider using automated tools to monitor for vulnerable file configurations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and proper file access control as outlined in various security frameworks and standards. This issue demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration errors can lead to significant security vulnerabilities and emphasizes the need for comprehensive security assessments that cover file system permissions and access controls.