External risk intelligence

Samba: Remote Code Execution via Shared Library Upload

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2017-7494

A vulnerability in Samba allows attackers to upload and execute malicious code on servers, potentially leading to unauthorized system access and data compromise. This presents a significant business risk to organizations using affected Samba versions. Organizations should identify vulnerable systems and apply vendor up

2Halo Surface Signal

Code Injection

Samba

3.5.0 to before 4.4.04.4.0 to before 4.4.144.5.0 to before 4.5.104.6.0 to before 4.6.48.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2017-7494

Samba services, which provide file and print sharing, are primarily designed for internal local area networks or restricted enterprise environments. While technically network-reachable, they are typically protected by firewalls and are not intended to be exposed directly to the public internet in standard deployment configurations.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

This vulnerability affects Samba, a software suite that implements the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. The flaw allows a malicious client to upload a shared library to a writable share. Subsequently, the server can be manipulated to load and execute this library. This could lead to unauthorized actions on the affected systems.

  • Vulnerable Samba component.
  • Flaw allows library execution.
  • Impact: Unauthorized system actions.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A remote attacker could gain control of a vulnerable Samba server by uploading a malicious shared library to a writable share. Once uploaded, the attacker can manipulate the server to load and execute this library. This allows for the potential execution of arbitrary code on the server, impacting its operations and the data it handles.

  • Exposure: Writable file share accessible externally.
  • Attacker access: Upload a shared library.
  • Trigger: Server loads and executes library.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical vulnerability exists in Samba, a widely used file-sharing software. This flaw allows an attacker to upload and execute malicious code on a server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The ease of exploitation and the severity of the potential impact present a significant business risk.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: Network access to a writable share
  • Business risk or urgency: High, treat as urgent

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This critical vulnerability in Samba allows for remote code execution. Attackers can upload a shared library to a writable share, causing the server to load and execute it, potentially leading to a compromise of the affected systems and data. This poses a significant risk to organizations running vulnerable Samba versions.

  • Identify Samba assets and versions.
  • Restrict access to Samba shares.
  • Apply vendor updates and verify.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Samba Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2017-7494)?

CVE-2017-7494 is a critical vulnerability in Samba, a software suite implementing the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol. It allows a malicious client to upload a shared library to a writable share, which the server then loads and executes, leading to potential remote code execution.

How does the Samba RCE vulnerability work, and what is its weakness class?

The weakness is CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." An attacker uploads a shared library to a writable Samba share. The vulnerability is triggered when the server is then caused to load and execute this uploaded library, allowing arbitrary code execution.

What is the trigger path for the Samba RCE vulnerability?

The trigger path involves a malicious client uploading a shared library to a writable share accessible by the Samba server. The server is then manipulated to load and execute this uploaded library, resulting in code execution on the server. The scope is not negated as it leads to code execution on the server itself.

What is the relevance of CVE-2017-7494, and is it actively exploited?

This critical Samba vulnerability allows remote code execution, posing a significant risk to organizations. It has been listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog since March 30, 2023, indicating active exploitation. Organizations must prioritize remediation.

What practical steps should be taken to respond to the Samba RCE vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all Samba assets and their versions. Restrict access to Samba shares, ensuring only necessary access is granted. Most importantly, apply vendor-supplied updates to vulnerable Samba versions as soon as possible and verify successful patching.

References