VDB-14632 · CVE-1999-1079 · BID 439

IBM AIX up to 4.3.2 ptrace Local Privilege Escalation

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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CTI Interest Score
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5.7$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in IBM AIX up to 4.3.2. This affects the function ptrace. Executing a manipulation can lead to Local Privilege Escalation. This vulnerability is tracked as CVE-1999-1079. No exploit exists. You should upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in IBM AIX up to 4.3.2 (Operating System). It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects the function ptrace. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a local privilege escalation vulnerability. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:

Vulnerability in ptrace in AIX 4.3 allows local users to gain privileges by attaching to a setgid program.

The weakness was disclosed 05/06/1999 (Website). The advisory is shared for download at marc.theaimsgroup.com. This vulnerability was named CVE-1999-1079. The exploitation appears to be easy. The attack needs to be approached locally. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. There are known technical details, but no exploit is available.

Upgrading to version 4.3.2 eliminates this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at SecurityFocus (BID 439†). VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Not Affected

  • IBM AIX up to 4.2.1

Productinfo

Type

Vendor

Name

Version

License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.9
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.7

VulDB Base Score: 5.9
VulDB Temp Score: 5.7
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Local Privilege Escalation
CWE: Unknown
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: Partially
Local: Yes
Remote: No

Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Upgrade: AIX 4.3.2

Timelineinfo

07/17/1998 🔍
05/06/1999 +293 days 🔍
05/06/1999 +0 days 🔍
06/20/2014 +5524 days 🔍
04/19/2026 +4321 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: ibm.com

Advisory: marc.theaimsgroup.com
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-1999-1079 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-1999-1079
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-14632
SecurityFocus: 439 - AIX ptrace() Vulnerability

Entryinfo

Created: 06/21/2014 00:06
Updated: 04/19/2026 03:03
Changes: 06/21/2014 00:06 (47), 05/21/2018 10:02 (6), 04/19/2026 03:03 (18)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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