# CVE-1999-1267: KDE kfm arbitrary file modification via insecure TCP server

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1267-kde-kfm-arbitrary-file-modification-via-insecure-tcp-server  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 1997-05-05. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-1999-1267 · Severity: medium · CVSS 5 · Published 1997-05-05

The KDE file manager (kfm) contains a security flaw in how it handles file operations. Because it uses an unsecured network connection to process commands, a remote attacker could potentially modify or overwrite files on a user's system. This could lead to unauthorized access or the corruption of important configuration files.

Technologies: [Kde](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/kde). Vendors: [Kde](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/kde).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-1999-1267 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-1999-1267 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-1999-1267?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 5, published 5 May 1997.

**Which products and versions are affected?** KDE K Desktop Environment (KDE) Versions using kfm prior to May 1997.

**Is there a fix for CVE-1999-1267?** 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-1999-1267 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-1999-1267?** Check whether you run Kde or Kde Plasma. 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 KDE file manager (kfm) implements a TCP server to facilitate communication between desktop modules. This server lacks authentication and proper access controls, allowing any network-reachable attacker to send commands to the service. Specifically, an attacker can issue 'copy' commands to the server. If an attacker can place a malicious file on the target system (e.g., via anonymous FTP), they can then instruct kfm to copy that file into sensitive locations, such as a user's .rhosts file, to gain further access. The recommended fix is to migrate the communication mechanism from TCP sockets to AF_UNIX sockets with restricted file permissions.

## Affected products

- KDE K Desktop Environment (KDE) Versions using kfm prior to May 1997

## Timeline

- 1997-05-05: disclosed: Vulnerability reported on Bugtraq by Alan Cox
- 1997-05-05: advisory: NVD publication date

## References

- [http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=87602167420906&w=2](http://marc.info/?l=bugtraq&m=87602167420906&w=2)
- [https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/1646](https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/1646)

## Related threats

- [Buffer overflow in kscreensaver in KDE klock allows local users to gain root privileges via a long HOME environmental variable.](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1096-buffer-overflow-in-kscreensaver-in-kde-klock-allows-local-users-to)
- [KDE kppp buffer overflow in account_name argument](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1106-kde-kppp-buffer-overflow-in-account-name-argument)