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Vulnerability record · CVE-1999-0736 · published 7 May 1999

CVE-1999-0736: IIS showcode.asp sample file allows arbitrary file read

Microsoft · Internet Information Server

The showcode.asp sample file shipped with Microsoft IIS and Site Server fails to restrict the files it will display, letting a remote attacker read arbitrary files on the server. Because the file is a sample script, it is often left in place on default or poorly cleaned installations, exposing source code and other sensitive files. The record gives no affected version list, so the exact scope of vulnerable releases cannot be confirmed from it.

5.0 CVSS 2.0 Medium EPSS 45% · top 1.3%
5.0CVSS 2.0 base score
45%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
1Affected product versions listed by NVD
4References
16 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

Description

The showcode.asp sample file in IIS and Site Server allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files.

AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N

Automated analysis

Generated by VULONE's analysis model from the NVD record, CISA KEV and EPSS data on 20 September 2026. Confidence: medium.

high priorityUnauthenticated remote file read with a very high EPSS percentile, though the flaw is a legacy sample script and the record lacks version detail.

What it is

The showcode.asp sample file shipped with Microsoft IIS and Site Server fails to restrict the files it will display, letting a remote attacker read arbitrary files on the server. Because the file is a sample script, it is often left in place on default or poorly cleaned installations, exposing source code and other sensitive files. The record gives no affected version list, so the exact scope of vulnerable releases cannot be confirmed from it.

Impact

An attacker gains read access to files on the web server, which can expose source code, configuration and credential material. The CVSS 2.0 vector rates confidentiality impact as partial with no integrity or availability effect.

Attack surface

Reachable over the network through the web server by requesting the showcode.asp sample script; the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/Au:N) indicates no authentication and no user interaction are required.

Exploitation

The record is not listed in CISA KEV and no reference carries an exploit tag, but EPSS is 0.44845 (98.7th percentile), indicating a high modeled likelihood of exploitation activity.

What to do

  • Apply the fix referenced in Microsoft security bulletin MS99-013, or upgrade to a supported IIS release.
  • Remove or disable the showcode.asp sample file and other sample scripts from production web roots.
  • Restrict the web server's file system permissions so the IIS process cannot read files outside the web content directory.
  • Audit web roots for leftover sample and documentation scripts after every deployment.

Detection

  • Search IIS access logs for requests to showcode.asp, especially with path or file parameters pointing outside the web root.
  • Alert on HTTP responses returning source code or file contents from sample script paths.
  • Scan web roots for the presence of showcode.asp and other known sample files.

This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.

Affected products

1 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/1999/ms99-013
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A932
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security-updates/securitybulletins/1999/ms99-013
https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A932

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Related vulnerabilities

Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-1999-0736), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.