Malformed Argument in Hit-Highlighting Allows Access to Server (251170)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Index Server 2.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0
This article was previously published under Q251170

SYMPTOMS

On March 31, 2000, Microsoft re-released this patch to address a variant of this vulnerability. In addition to the information below, the latest variant, even after applying the original patch, could allow a malicious user to read the source of selected files on the server that normally get server-side processing (most notably, .ASP files). While the original vulnerability affects Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000, this variant only affects Windows NT 4.0. You do not need to reapply the patch to Windows 2000-based computers.

The ISAPI filter that implements the hit-highlighting (also known as "WebHits") functionality does not adequately constrain what files can be requested. If you provide a deliberately-malformed argument in a request to hit-highlight a document, it is possible to escape the virtual folder. This can allow someone without permissions to read any file residing on the same logical drive of the server that contains the Web Root folder. It does not allow anyone without permissions to add or modify files.

RESOLUTION

Windows 2000

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows 2000. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

260910 How to Obtain the Latest Windows 2000 Service Pack

This update is also part of the Windows 2000 Critical Update, February 17, 2000 that is available on the Windows Update site. You can also download this critical update (for installation later or on a different computer) from the following Microsoft Web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/critical/q253934/default.asp

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

DownloadDownload Q251170_w2k_sp1_x86_en.exe now

For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

119591 How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services

Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

Windows NT 4.0

A supported fix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to computers that are experiencing this specific problem.

To resolve this problem, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the fix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS

NOTE: In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

x86: DownloadDownload Q252463i.exe now

Alpha: DownloadDownload Q252463a.exe now

For additional information about how to download Microsoft Support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

119591 How to Obtain Microsoft Support Files from Online Services

Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help to prevent any unauthorized changes to the file. The English version of this fix should have the following file attributes or later:
   Date        Time    Version      Size     File name    Platform
   ---------------------------------------------------------------
   01/25/2000  10:07p  5.0.1781.3    193,296  Idq.dll      x86
   01/25/2000  10:05p  5.0.1781.3    863,504  Query.dll    x86
   03/27/2000  11:17a  5.0.1781.3     42,256  Webhits.dll  x86

   01/25/2000  10:12p  5.0.1781.3    300,304  Idq.dll      Alpha
   01/25/2000  10:11p  5.0.1781.3  1,952,528  Query.dll    Alpha
   03/27/2000  11:15a  5.0.1781.3     79,120  Webhits.dll  Alpha

STATUS

Windows 2000

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows 2000. This problem was first corrected in Windows 2000 Service Pack 1.

Windows NT 4.0

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows NT 4.0.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information, please see the security buletin information at:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms00-006.mspx

252463 Index Server Error Message Reveals Physical Location of Web Directories

For additional information about how to install Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 hotfixes at the same time, click the article number below to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

249149 Installing Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows 2000 Hotfixes

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/13/2006
Keywords:kbHotfixServer kbQFE kbbug kbfix kbnetwork kbProgramming KB251170
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