# CVE-1999-0612: Generic finger service information disclosure

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-0612-generic-finger-service-information-disclosure  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 1997-03-01. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-1999-0612 · Severity: info · CVSS 0 · Published 1997-03-01

The finger service is an older network protocol used to look up information about users on a specific computer system. When active, it can allow anyone on the network to see details about valid user accounts, such as login names and activity status. This information can be used by malicious actors to perform reconnaissance and plan more targeted attacks against your organization's infrastructure.

Technologies: [Gnu Fingerd](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/fingerd), [Microsoft Windows 2000](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-2000), [Microsoft Windows Nt](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/windows-nt). Vendors: [Gnu](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/gnu), [Microsoft](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/microsoft).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-1999-0612 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-1999-0612 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-1999-0612?** Informational severity, with a CVSS score of 0, published 1 March 1997.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Generic finger service.

**Is there a fix for CVE-1999-0612?** 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-1999-0612 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a hosted service.

**Am I affected by CVE-1999-0612?** Check whether you run Gnu Finger Service, Gnu Fingerd, Microsoft Windows 2000 or one of the others listed. 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 finger service (typically running on port 79) is configured in a way that allows unauthenticated remote users to query the system for account information. This is classified as a configuration issue rather than a software flaw, as the protocol is performing its intended function of revealing user details (e.g., usernames, real names, last login times). An attacker can use this information for reconnaissance, such as identifying valid accounts for brute-force attempts or social engineering. Security best practices recommend disabling the finger service to reduce the information available to potential attackers.

## Affected products

- Generic finger service

## Timeline

- 1997-03-01: disclosed: NVD Published Date

## References

- [https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-1999-0612](https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-1999-0612)

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