CVE-2005-2678Internet Information Server Vulnerability
Microsoft IIS 5.1 and 6 allows remote attackers to spoof the SERVER_NAME variable to bypass security checks and conduct various attacks via a GET request with an http://localhost URI, which makes it appear as if the request is coming from localhost.
Published Aug 23, 2005 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2005-2678 is a medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 5.0 v2) affecting Internet Information Server (Microsoft), Internet Information Services (Microsoft).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jan 15, 2018. No public exploit code is known.
- EPSS estimates a 42% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Scores
CVSS v2
5.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
42%
Higher than 98.6% of all scored CVEs
Exploit maturity
Exploited (KEV)
ATLAS score
46/100
Publication score, see How it works
Exploitation Verdict
KEV listed
Jan 15, 2018
4528 days after publication
Federal due date
None
No federal due date
Ransomware use
Not reported
Attributed actors
None named
Exploit & Defence Guidance
Exploit maturity
Exploited (KEV)
Public exploit code
0
Proof-of-concept links
In-the-wild evidence
1
Reports of active use
Advisories And Exploit References
- advisory16548
Description
Microsoft IIS 5.1 and 6 allows remote attackers to spoof the SERVER_NAME variable to bypass security checks and conduct various attacks via a GET request with an http://localhost URI, which makes it appear as if the request is coming from localhost.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Jan 15, 2018 | n/a | Not reported |
Affected Products
2 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Information ServerMicrosoft | 6.0 | n/a |
| Internet Information ServicesMicrosoft | 5.0 | n/a |
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 23, 2005
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jan 15, 2018
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
FAQ
Common Questions.
Microsoft IIS 5.1 and 6 allows remote attackers to spoof the SERVER_NAME variable to bypass security checks and conduct various attacks via a GET request with an http://localhost URI, which makes it appear as if the request is coming from localhost.
Affected: Internet Information Server (Microsoft) versions 6.0; Internet Information Services (Microsoft) versions 5.0. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jan 15, 2018.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public exploit code is known.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2005-2678 On Your Attack Surface?
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