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7-Year-Old Samba Flaw Threatens Every OS

Posted: May 31, 2017 to Cybersecurity.

Tags: Ransomware, Malware, Data Breach

Samba is open-source networking software that runs on the vast majority of today’s operating systems (OS), including such giants as Windows and Linux.  One reason for its popularity is that it allows non-Windows OS’s to share with Windows OS’s that are on the same network, such as files, folders, and printers. This was very helpful until WannaCry ransomware came around and exploited the very susceptibilities that Samba possesses. It was recently discovered that there is a vulnerability in the remote code execution and that it impacts all Samba versions that have been released since March 1, 2010 (Samba 3.5.0). According to a warning published by Samba, this vulnerability allows “a malicious client to upload a shared library to a writable share, and then cause[s] the server to load and execute it." Research has uncovered nearly half-a-million computers exposed to a vulnerable port (port 445) that are running Samba.  Additionally, there are almost 100,000 endpoints that are not only exposed to the internet but are also running vulnerable versions of Samba.   What this means is that, without patches (read: IT security has fallen into a coma over the last few weeks), the flaw in Samba could be exploited in massive numbers, especially via PC’s that are inter-connected on home networks.  All a hacker would need to do is upload the virus onto a shared library and drop the malicious code to infect all devices.   Fortunately, Samba has already begun the patchwork with their newest versions (4.6.4/4.5.10/4.4.14), and are strongly encouraging its users to install these sooner, rather than later.   In addition to the patch, there is also a work around; all that is needed is to add the following extension to the Samba configuration file (smb.conf:) and to restart the network’s SMB deamon, or smbd: nt pipe support = no This simple add-on prevents full access from network machines, while also disabling a number of function on networked Windows OS.   The best option for this fix, as well any others that may come out on any OS is to stay on top of updates.  It is important to update your OS as soon as possible, in order to mitigate security risks.

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About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
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