CVE-1999-1477: Buffer overflow in GNOME libraries 1.0.8 allows local user to gain root access via a long --espeaker argument

This month

HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTDOWNGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-1999-1477 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting gnome libs, mandrake linux. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in GNOME libraries 1.0.8 allows local user to gain root access via a long --espeaker argument in programs such as nethack.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 35%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	1999-09-23
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: gnome · mandrakesoft

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

1999-09-23 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:50 UTCUpdated Record last modified

gnome gnome libs DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.0.8

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.8

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy gnome-libs || rpm -q gnome-libs || gnome-libs --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.0.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison gnome-libs sudo apt install gnome-libs=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.8> sudo apt-mark hold gnome-libs

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list gnome-libs sudo dnf downgrade gnome-libs-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.8> sudo dnf versionlock add gnome-libs

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

mandrakesoft mandrake linux MITIGATE

Affected: 6.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 6.0

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Mandriva Linux Mandrake 6.0 / Gnome Libs 1.0.8 - 'espeaker' Local Buffer Overflow

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-1999-1477?

gnome libs: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation; mandrake linux: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-1999-1477 being exploited?

CVE-1999-1477 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-1999-1477 affect?

CVE-1999-1477 affects gnome libs, mandrake linux. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). Buffer overflow in GNOME libraries 1.0.8 allows local user to gain root access via a long --espeaker argument in programs such as nethack.

How urgent is CVE-1999-1477?

Priority 51/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

References

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