# CVE-1999-0148: SGI IRIX arbitrary command execution in handler CGI

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-0148-sgi-irix-arbitrary-command-execution-in-handler-cgi  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 1997-09-01. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-1999-0148 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 1997-09-01

A vulnerability in the 'handler' CGI program on SGI IRIX systems allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized commands. This component is part of the web server infrastructure, and an exploit could allow a complete takeover of the server, leading to data theft or service disruption. Organizations using legacy IRIX systems should apply available patches immediately to prevent unauthorized access.

Technologies: [Sgi Irix](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/irix). Vendors: [Sgi](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/sgi).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-1999-0148 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-1999-0148 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-1999-0148?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 1 September 1997.

**Which products and versions are affected?** SGI IRIX.

**Is there a fix for CVE-1999-0148?** 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-1999-0148 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-1999-0148?** Check whether you run Sgi Irix. 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 'handler' CGI script, typically located in the web server's executable directory on SGI IRIX systems, fails to properly sanitize user input. This lack of validation allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker to inject and execute arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is exploitable via a specially crafted HTTP request. SGI released security advisory 19970501-02-PX and associated patches to address this issue by correcting the input handling logic in the CGI program.

## Affected products

- SGI IRIX

## Timeline

- 1997-05-01: advisory: SGI security advisory 19970501-02-PX released
- 1997-09-01: disclosed: NVD publication date

## References

- [http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/380](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/380)

## Related threats

- [Vulnerability in (1) diskperf and (2) diskalign in IRIX 6.4 allows local attacker to create arbitrary root owned…](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1492-vulnerability-in-1-diskperf-and-2-diskalign-in-irix-6-4-allows)
- [Vulnerability in (1) diskalign and (2) diskperf in IRIX 6.4 patches 2291 and 2848 allow a local user to create…](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1039-vulnerability-in-1-diskalign-and-2-diskperf-in-irix-6-4-patches)
- [SGI IRIX buffer overflow in xterm and Xaw](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-0126-sgi-irix-buffer-overflow-in-xterm-and-xaw)
- [SGI IRIX buffer overflow in printers program](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-0108-sgi-irix-buffer-overflow-in-printers-program)
- [SGI IRIX command injection in ipxchk and ipxlink](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1501-sgi-irix-command-injection-in-ipxchk-and-ipxlink)