CVE-1999-1538

CVE-1999-1538 is a low-severity vulnerability in Microsoft Internet Information Server with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 25% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation.

Key facts

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-1999-1538?
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.
How severe is CVE-1999-1538?
CVE-1999-1538 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 2.1, rated low severity.
Is CVE-1999-1538 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 25% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-1999-1538?
CVE-1999-1538 affects Microsoft Internet Information Server. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-1999-1538?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-1999-1538 published?
CVE-1999-1538 was published on 1999-01-14 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

Affected products (1)

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