# CVE-1999-1392: NeXT NeXTSTEP privilege escalation in restore0.9 installation script

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1392-next-nextstep-privilege-escalation-in-restore0-9-installation  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 1990-10-03. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-1999-1392 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.2 · Published 1990-10-03

A vulnerability in the installation script for the restore utility on NeXT systems allows a local user to gain full administrative control. This could allow an unauthorized person with access to the system to view, modify, or delete any data and disrupt operations. The issue stems from a flaw in how the installation script handles permissions during setup.

Technologies: [Next](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/next), [Nextstep](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/nextstep). Vendors: [Next](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/next).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-1999-1392 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-1999-1392 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-1999-1392?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.2, published 3 October 1990.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Nextstep 1.0, 1.0a.

**Is there a fix for CVE-1999-1392?** 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-1999-1392 attacked?** It is attacked with local access, in an operating system.

**Am I affected by CVE-1999-1392?** Check whether you run Next Nex, Next or Nextstep at an affected version. 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 vulnerability exists within the restore0.9 installation script provided with NeXT 1.0 and 1.0a operating systems. A local attacker can exploit this flaw to escalate their privileges to root. The root cause is a vulnerability in the script's execution logic or permission handling during the installation process. Successful exploitation grants the attacker full system access. Patches were historically made available by the vendor to address this issue.

## Affected products

- NeXT NeXTSTEP 1.0, 1.0a

## Timeline

- 1990-10-03: advisory: Initial NVD publication date
- 1990-10-03: disclosed: Date of CERT advisory CA-1990-06

## References

- [http://ciac.llnl.gov/ciac/bulletins/b-01.shtml](http://ciac.llnl.gov/ciac/bulletins/b-01.shtml)
- [http://www.cert.org/advisories/CA-1990-06.html](http://www.cert.org/advisories/CA-1990-06.html)
- [http://www.iss.net/security_center/static/7144.php](http://www.iss.net/security_center/static/7144.php)
- [http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/9](http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/9)

## Related threats

- [NeXT NeXTstep privilege escalation via me user in wheel group](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1193-next-nextstep-privilege-escalation-via-me-user-in-wheel-group)
- [NeXT NeXTSTEP privilege escalation in npd](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1391-next-nextstep-privilege-escalation-in-npd)
- [NeXT NeXTSTEP privilege escalation in BuildDisk](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-1999-1198-next-nextstep-privilege-escalation-in-builddisk)