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              AUSCERT External Security Bulletin Redistribution
                             
           ESB-2000.019 -- Microsoft Security Bulletin (MS00-006)
   Patch Available for "Malformed Hit-Highlighting Argument" Vulnerability
                               28 January 2000

===========================================================================

Microsoft Corporation has released the following security bulletin 
concerning two vulnerabilities in Microsoft Index Server 2.0 and the 
Indexing Service in Windows 2000 respectively. 

A specifically malformed argument provided to the Hit-Highlighting feature 
of Index Server may allow a remote user to retrieve files from a web server 
by specifying their full, physical directory path, provided that the files 
requested are on the same logical drive as the web server.

This vulnerability may allow a malicious remote user to view files outside 
the virtual directory structure of the web server on the system where the 
affected software is running.

Additionally, a problem exists where a remote user may receive full, 
physical directory path information in an error message from a web server 
if they request a non-existent Data Query file.

This vulnerability may allow a remote user to map the file structure of 
the web server where the affected software is running.  This could offer 
a malicious user valuable reconnaissance information as a prelude to 
attacking the server:

       http://www.microsoft.com/technet/Security/Bulletin/ms00-006.asp


===========================================================================

This security bulletin is provided as a service to AusCERT's members.
As AusCERT did not write the document referenced above, AusCERT has
had no control over its content.  The decision to use any or all
of this information is the responsibility of each user or organisation,
and should be done so in accordance with site policies and procedures.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact 
Microsoft Corporation directly.

Previous advisories and external security bulletins can be retrieved from:

	http://www.auscert.org.au/Information/advisories.html

If you believe that your system has been compromised, contact AusCERT or
your representative in FIRST (Forum of Incident Response and Security
Teams).

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile:	(07) 3365 7031
Telephone:	(07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
		AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours
		which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
		On call after hours for emergencies.


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