Microsoft Windows 95/98 Credential credentials management

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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7.2$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability identified as critical has been detected in Microsoft Windows 95/98. Affected is an unknown function of the component Credential Handler. Performing a manipulation results in credentials management. This vulnerability was named CVE-1999-0387. There is no available exploit. This vulnerability is considered historic because of its background and reception. You should upgrade the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in Microsoft Windows 95/98 (Operating System). This affects some unknown functionality of the component Credential Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a credentials management vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-255. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality. The summary by CVE is:

A legacy credential caching mechanism used in Windows 95 and Windows 98 systems allows attackers to read plaintext network passwords.

The issue has been introduced in 08/24/1995. The weakness was presented 11/29/1999 with Microsoft as MS99-052 as confirmed bulletin (Technet). It is possible to read the advisory at microsoft.com. This vulnerability is uniquely identified as CVE-1999-0387. The exploitability is told to be easy. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. No form of authentication is needed for exploitation. The technical details are unknown and an exploit is not publicly available. The pricing for an exploit might be around USD $0-$5k at the moment (estimation calculated on 04/19/2026). The attack technique deployed by this issue is T1552 according to MITRE ATT&CK. Due to its background and reception, this vulnerability has a historic impact.

The vulnerability was handled as a non-public zero-day exploit for at least 1558 days. During that time the estimated underground price was around $25k-$100k.

Upgrading to version 98SE or ME eliminates this vulnerability. Applying the patch MS99-052 is able to eliminate this problem. The bugfix is ready for download at microsoft.com. The best possible mitigation is suggested to be upgrading to the latest version.

The vulnerability is also documented in the databases at X-Force (3574), SecurityFocus (BID 829†) and Vulnerability Center (SBV-4031†). Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

Productinfo

Type

Vendor

Name

Version

License

Support

  • end of life (old version)

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 7.5
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.2

VulDB Base Score: 7.5
VulDB Temp Score: 7.2
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

NVD Base Score: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Credentials management
CWE: CWE-255
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined

EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍

Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Upgrade
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Upgrade: Windows 98SE/ME
Patch: MS99-052

Timelineinfo

08/24/1995 🔍
11/29/1999 +1558 days 🔍
11/29/1999 +0 days 🔍
11/29/1999 +0 days 🔍
11/29/1999 +0 days 🔍
03/24/2004 +1577 days 🔍
06/22/2014 +3742 days 🔍
04/19/2026 +4319 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: microsoft.com
Product: microsoft.com

Advisory: MS99-052
Organization: Microsoft
Status: Confirmed

CVE: CVE-1999-0387 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-1999-0387
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-15003
X-Force: 3574
SecurityFocus: 829 - Microsoft Windows 9x Plaintext Credential Cache Vulnerability
Vulnerability Center: 4031 - [MS99-052] Windows 95 and Windows 98 Systems Allow Passwords Leakage, Low

scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20140213

Entryinfo

Created: 06/22/2014 15:10
Updated: 04/19/2026 21:00
Changes: 06/22/2014 15:10 (47), 05/20/2019 16:27 (20), 04/19/2026 21:00 (16)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103

Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.

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