CVE-1999-1232 describes an untrusted search path vulnerability in the day5datacopier utility on SGI IRIX version 6.2. This vulnerability arises because the program relies on the PATH environment variable to locate the 'cp' command without properly validating or sanitizing it. A local attacker can exploit this by modifying the PATH variable to include a directory containing a malicious 'cp' executable. When day5datacopier runs, it will execute the attacker's 'cp' program instead of the legitimate system binary, allowing arbitrary command execution with the privileges of the user running day5datacopier. The vulnerability requires local access and does not require authentication, but the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is critical since arbitrary code execution can lead to full system compromise. The CVSS score of 7.2 (high) reflects these factors, with attack vector local, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and complete impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patch is available for this vulnerability, and there are no known exploits in the wild. The vulnerability is specific to SGI IRIX 6.2, an older UNIX-based operating system primarily used on Silicon Graphics workstations and servers in the 1990s.

For European organizations, the direct impact of this vulnerability today is limited due to the obsolescence of SGI IRIX 6.2 systems in modern IT environments. However, organizations in sectors that historically used SGI IRIX systems—such as scientific research institutions, universities, and certain industrial or media production environments—may still have legacy systems vulnerable to this issue. Exploitation could allow local attackers to gain unauthorized control over these systems, potentially leading to data theft, system manipulation, or disruption of critical workflows. Given the high severity of the vulnerability, any remaining IRIX 6.2 systems could be compromised, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data and services. Additionally, if these legacy systems are connected to broader networks, attackers could use them as footholds for lateral movement. The lack of patches increases the risk, requiring compensating controls to mitigate exposure.

Since no official patch is available for this vulnerability, European organizations should implement compensating controls to mitigate risk. These include: 1) Restricting local access to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious PATH manipulation. 2) Auditing and monitoring environment variables and execution contexts for day5datacopier and related utilities to detect unauthorized changes. 3) Running day5datacopier with the PATH environment variable explicitly set to trusted system directories, avoiding reliance on user-controlled PATH settings. 4) Considering removal or replacement of the day5datacopier utility if it is not essential. 5) Isolating legacy IRIX 6.2 systems from critical networks and limiting their connectivity to reduce attack surface. 6) Employing host-based intrusion detection systems to identify suspicious local command executions. 7) Educating system administrators about the risks of untrusted search paths and enforcing secure scripting and execution practices. These targeted measures can reduce the likelihood of exploitation despite the absence of patches.