CVE-2000-0413 in IIS
Summary
by MITRE
The shtml.exe program in the FrontPage extensions package of IIS 4.0 and 5.0 allows remote attackers to determine the physical path of HTML, HTM, ASP, and SHTML files by requesting a file that does not exist, which generates an error message that reveals the path.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0413 represents a classic information disclosure flaw affecting Microsoft IIS servers running FrontPage extensions version 4.0 and 5.0. This security weakness stems from the shtml.exe component's improper handling of non-existent file requests within the FrontPage extension framework. When a remote attacker makes a request for a file that does not exist, the shtml.exe program generates an error message that inadvertently exposes the physical file system path of the web server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of path disclosure vulnerabilities and is categorized as CWE-209 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system, which specifically addresses error messages that reveal internal system information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through simple HTTP requests targeting non-existent files within the web server's directory structure. When IIS processes these requests through the FrontPage extensions, the shtml.exe module fails to sanitize error output properly, resulting in the exposure of directory paths that can include sensitive information about the server's file system organization. This flaw essentially provides attackers with a roadmap to navigate the server's physical file structure, which can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and error handling practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly compromises the security posture of affected IIS servers by providing attackers with crucial reconnaissance information. The leaked physical paths can reveal directory structures, file naming conventions, and potentially sensitive system layouts that attackers can leverage for subsequent exploitation attempts. This information disclosure can facilitate directory traversal attacks, file inclusion vulnerabilities, and other advanced persistent threats. The vulnerability affects both IIS 4.0 and 5.0 versions, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these server versions during the early 2000s. According to MITRE's ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the reconnaissance phase where adversaries gather information about target systems, specifically under the technique of "System Information Discovery" which can be leveraged for privilege escalation and lateral movement.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve several approaches that address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. Microsoft released patches and updates to address this specific issue, and administrators should ensure their systems are updated to the latest security patches for IIS and FrontPage extensions. The recommended solution includes disabling unnecessary FrontPage extensions on web servers or properly configuring error handling to prevent path information disclosure. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, sanitizing error messages, and conducting regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper error handling design and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can have significant security implications, aligning with security principles found in ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks that emphasize the need for secure coding practices and comprehensive vulnerability management programs.