# CVE-1999-0795: Sun NIS+ authentication bypass in rpc.nisd

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-0795-sun-nis-authentication-bypass-in-rpc-nisd  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 1998-03-01. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-1999-0795 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 1998-03-01

The NIS+ rpc.nisd server, a directory service used to manage system information across networks, contains a flaw that allows unauthorized users to access the system. An attacker can remotely view sensitive system details, disable activity logging, or tamper with cached data. This could lead to a loss of confidentiality and allow an attacker to hide their tracks while manipulating network resources.

Technologies: [Sunos](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/sunos). Vendors: [Sun](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/sun).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-1999-0795 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-1999-0795 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-1999-0795?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 1 March 1998.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Sun Microsystems NIS+ (rpc.nisd).

**Is there a fix for CVE-1999-0795?** 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-1999-0795 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-1999-0795?** Check whether you run Sunos. 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 rpc.nisd daemon in NIS+ fails to properly enforce authentication for specific Remote Procedure Call (RPC) functions. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit this by sending crafted RPC requests to the server. Successful exploitation allows the attacker to retrieve system configuration information, disable the server's logging mechanisms to evade detection, or modify internal caches. This vulnerability is classified as an authentication bypass within the NIS+ directory service component.

## Affected products

- Sun Microsystems NIS+ (rpc.nisd)

## Timeline

- 1998-03-01: disclosed

## References

- [https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0795](https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/CVE-1999-0795)

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