IBM AIX 3.2/4.1/4.2 DNS Hostname gethostbyname memory corruption

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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9.0$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability labeled as critical has been found in IBM AIX 3.2/4.1/4.2. This vulnerability affects the function gethostbyname of the component DNS Hostname Handler. Executing a manipulation can lead to memory corruption. This vulnerability is handled as CVE-1999-0101. Additionally, an exploit exists. The affected component should be upgraded.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in IBM AIX 3.2/4.1/4.2 (Operating System). It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects the function gethostbyname of the component DNS Hostname Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a memory corruption vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-119. The product performs operations on a memory buffer, but it can read from or write to a memory location that is outside of the intended boundary of the buffer. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

buffer overflow in aix and solaris "gethostbyname" library call allows root access through corrupt dns host names.

The bug was discovered . The weakness was released 12/10/1996 as H-13 as not defined advisory (CIAC). The advisory is available at ciac.llnl.gov. This vulnerability was named CVE-1999-0101. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. Technical details and also a public exploit are known.

A public exploit has been developed in Shell File. It is possible to download the exploit at securityfocus.com. It is declared as proof-of-concept. The vulnerability was handled as a non-public zero-day exploit for at least 9840 days. During that time the estimated underground price was around $5k-$25k. The commercial vulnerability scanner Qualys is able to test this issue with plugin 38399 (Sun Solaris System Library Buffer Overflow Vulnerability).

Upgrading eliminates this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (637), Exploit-DB (22251), SecurityFocus (BID 6853†), OSVDB (7990†) and Vulnerability Center (SBV-9847†). If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.

Productinfo

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CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 10.0
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 9.0

VulDB Base Score: 10.0
VulDB Temp Score: 9.0
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

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Exploitinginfo

Class: Memory corruption
CWE: CWE-119
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Access: Public
Status: Proof-of-Concept
Programming Language: 🔍
Download: 🔍

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Price Prediction: 🔍
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Exploit-DB: 🔍

Threat Intelligenceinfo

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Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍
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ISS Proventia IPS: 🔍

Timelineinfo

01/01/1992 🔍
12/03/1996 +1798 days 🔍
12/03/1996 +0 days 🔍
12/10/1996 +7 days 🔍
12/10/1996 +0 days 🔍
12/06/2005 +3283 days 🔍
06/17/2014 +3115 days 🔍
10/27/2025 +4150 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: ibm.com

Advisory: H-13
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-1999-0101 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-1999-0101
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-13786
X-Force: 637
SecurityFocus: 6853 - Multiple Vendor gethostbyname() Buffer Overflow Vulnerability
OSVDB: 7990 - Overflowing DNS IPv4 length allows attackers to gain access
Vulnerability Center: 9847 - AIX ,Solaris \x26 Microsoft Buffer Overflow via gethostbyname, Critical

scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20161013

Entryinfo

Created: 06/17/2014 17:59
Updated: 10/27/2025 20:00
Changes: 06/17/2014 17:59 (67), 06/12/2019 09:53 (8), 12/04/2024 07:09 (17), 10/27/2025 20:00 (2)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.

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