CVE-1999-0286: Critical severity Microsoft Internet Information Services vulnerability

Published Jan 1, 1999
·
Updated

In some NT web servers, appending a space at the end of a URL may allow attackers to read source code for active pages.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Microsoft Internet Information Services

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Configuration

    Configure the web server to normalize incoming URLs or reject requests that include trailing spaces so that appending a space cannot be used to read source code of active pages.

    NT web server URL trailing-space handling = normalize or reject trailing spaces
  2. Configuration

    Ensure the server is configured to process active pages rather than returning their source. Verify script handlers/mappings for dynamic pages (e.g., ASP) are correct and that source files cannot be served as static content.

    NT web server serve_source_code_files = false
  3. Compensating control

    Until server configuration is fixed, deploy a WAF or perimeter filter rule to block or normalize requests containing trailing spaces in the URL to prevent exploitation.

Event History

Jan 1, 1999
CVE Published
05:00 AM
Data Sourced
05:00 AM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
05:00 AM
Severity
Data Sourced
via NVD·05:00 AM
DescriptionSeverity
Feb 4, 2000
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Description

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-1999-0286?

The severity of CVE-1999-0286 is rated as critical with a score of 10 out of 10.

2

How do I fix CVE-1999-0286?

To fix CVE-1999-0286, ensure that your web server is updated to the latest version and apply any relevant patches.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-1999-0286?

CVE-1999-0286 affects certain versions of Microsoft Internet Information Services.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-1999-0286?

CVE-1999-0286 is a vulnerability that allows attackers to read the source code of active web pages by manipulating URLs.

5

What impact does CVE-1999-0286 have on a web server?

CVE-1999-0286 can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive source code, which may compromise the security of the web application.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203