# CVE-1999-0127: HP HP-UX arbitrary file overwrite in swinstall and swmodify

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-0127-hp-hp-ux-arbitrary-file-overwrite-in-swinstall-and-swmodify  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 1996-12-19. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-1999-0127 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.2 · Published 1996-12-19

A vulnerability in the software installation and modification tools of HP-UX systems allows local users to gain full administrative control. By exploiting flaws in how these tools handle files, an attacker with basic access to the system can overwrite critical system files. This can lead to a complete takeover of the server, compromising all data and services hosted on the machine.

Technologies: [Hp-Ux](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/hp-ux). Vendors: [Hp](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/hp).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-1999-0127 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-1999-0127 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-1999-0127?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.2, published 19 December 1996.

**Which products and versions are affected?** HP HP-UX SD-UX package HP-UX 10.x and earlier.

**Is there a fix for CVE-1999-0127?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-1999-0127 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-1999-0127?** Check whether you run Hp-Ux or Hp Software Distributor-UX. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

The vulnerability exists within the swinstall and swmodify utilities, which are part of the Software Distributor (SD-UX) package in HP-UX. These commands fail to properly validate file operations, allowing a local, unprivileged user to create or overwrite arbitrary files on the system. By targeting sensitive system files (such as /etc/passwd or system binaries), an attacker can escalate their privileges to root. This is a local privilege escalation vulnerability requiring shell access but no special permissions. Patch information is generally found in legacy HP security bulletins (e.g., HPSBUX9701-057).

## Affected products

- HP HP-UX SD-UX package HP-UX 10.x and earlier

## Timeline

- 1996-12-19: disclosed: Initial public disclosure date

## References

- [https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0127](https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0127)

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