# CVE-1999-0150: Perl fingerd remote command execution

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-0150-perl-fingerd-remote-command-execution  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 1997-07-01. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-1999-0150 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 1997-07-01

A vulnerability in the Perl-based fingerd service allows remote attackers to execute unauthorized commands on the host system. This service is typically used to provide information about users on a network. An exploit could lead to a complete system compromise, allowing attackers to access sensitive data or disrupt operations.

Technologies: [Gnu Fingerd](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/fingerd). Vendors: [Gnu](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/gnu).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-1999-0150 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-1999-0150 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-1999-0150?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 1 July 1997.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Perl fingerd.

**Is there a fix for CVE-1999-0150?** 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-1999-0150 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-1999-0150?** Check whether you run Gnu Fingerd. 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 Perl implementation of the finger daemon (fingerd) contains a vulnerability that allows for remote command execution. The flaw likely stems from improper sanitization of input passed to the finger service, which is then executed by the Perl interpreter. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit this by sending a specially crafted request to the finger port (typically TCP 79). Successful exploitation grants the attacker the ability to run arbitrary shell commands with the privileges of the fingerd process.

## Affected products

- Perl fingerd

## Timeline

- 1997-07-01: disclosed: Initial publication date in NVD.

## References

- [https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0150](https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0150)

## Related threats

- [Generic finger service information disclosure](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-0612-generic-finger-service-information-disclosure)