CVE-1999-0988 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting multiple versions of the UnixWare operating system, specifically versions 2.0 through 7.1.16. The vulnerability resides in the pkgtrans utility, a package translation tool used for managing software packages on UnixWare systems. The flaw allows local users to exploit a symbolic link (symlink) attack to read arbitrary files on the system. Essentially, pkgtrans fails to properly validate file paths when handling package files, enabling an attacker with local access to create symlinks that point to sensitive files elsewhere on the filesystem. When pkgtrans processes these symlinks, it inadvertently reads and exposes the contents of the targeted files. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including system configuration files, password files, or other critical data. The vulnerability requires local access, meaning an attacker must already have some level of access to the system, but does not require authentication beyond that. The CVSS score of 7.2 (high) reflects the significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as the attacker can read arbitrary files and potentially manipulate package data. No patches or fixes are available for this vulnerability, and there are no known exploits in the wild, likely due to the age of the vulnerability and the declining use of UnixWare systems in modern environments.

For European organizations still operating legacy UnixWare systems, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of sensitive data exposure. Attackers with local access—such as disgruntled employees, contractors, or attackers who have gained initial foothold through other means—can leverage this flaw to escalate their access by reading critical system files, potentially including password hashes or configuration files that could facilitate further compromise. The integrity of package management processes may also be undermined, risking system stability and trustworthiness. Although UnixWare is largely considered legacy technology, certain industries in Europe, such as manufacturing, telecommunications, or government sectors, may still rely on these systems for legacy applications. The lack of available patches means organizations must rely on compensating controls to mitigate risk. The vulnerability's impact extends to confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it a comprehensive threat to affected systems.

Given the absence of official patches, European organizations should implement strict access controls to limit local user access to UnixWare systems, ensuring only trusted administrators have shell or console access. Employ mandatory access control (MAC) frameworks or filesystem permissions to restrict the ability to create or manipulate symlinks in directories accessible to pkgtrans. Monitoring and auditing filesystem changes, especially symlink creations in package-related directories, can help detect exploitation attempts. Consider isolating UnixWare systems from general user environments and network segments to reduce the risk of unauthorized local access. Where possible, plan and execute migration strategies away from UnixWare to supported, modern operating systems with active security support. Additionally, employing host-based intrusion detection systems (HIDS) that can alert on suspicious file access patterns or symlink manipulations may provide early warning of exploitation attempts.