CVE-1999-1538
2.1 · LOWWhen IIS 2 or 3 is upgraded to IIS 4, ism.dll is inadvertently left in /scripts/iisadmin, which does not restrict access to the local machine and allows an unauthorized user to gain access to sensi…
Overview
CVE-1999-1538 is a low-severity vulnerability affecting microsoft internet_information_server. It was published on January 14, 1999 and has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1 (LOW).
This vulnerability has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1, rated LOW. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
Technical description
When IIS 2 or 3 is upgraded to IIS 4, ism.dll is inadvertently left in /scripts/iisadmin, which does not restrict access to the local machine and allows an unauthorized user to gain access to sensitive server information, including the Administrator's password.
Remediation
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from microsoft. Update internet_information_server to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Versions | Status |
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Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-1999-1538?
CVE-1999-1538 is a low-severity vulnerability affecting microsoft internet_information_server. It was published on January 14, 1999 and has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1 (LOW).
How severe is CVE-1999-1538?
This vulnerability has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1, rated LOW. It requires local or adjacent network access to exploit. No authentication or special privileges are required for exploitation.
How do I fix or remediate CVE-1999-1538?
Check the references section for vendor advisories and patches from microsoft. Update internet_information_server to the latest patched version. If immediate patching is not possible, review the CVSS vector to understand the attack surface and apply compensating controls such as network segmentation or access restrictions.
How can CyberStrike help with CVE-1999-1538?
CyberStrike is an open-source, AI-augmented pentesting engine. Rather than flag a version number, it tests whether an issue like CVE-1999-1538 is actually reachable in your own applications and APIs, then verifies each finding before reporting it. That tells you if the weakness is a real, exploitable risk in your environment or a false positive you can safely deprioritize.
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