Risk
High
Date Discovered
October 14, 2008
Description
Microsoft Windows is prone to a remote code execution vulnerability caused by a buffer-underflow condition in the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol implementation.
To exploit the issue, an attacker must first successfully authenticate as a legitimate user or a Guest user on the affected computer. A successful exploit will completely compromise the affected computer.
Recommendations
Block external access at the network boundary, unless external parties require service.
Block remote access to SMB services at the network perimeter. Permit access for trusted computers and networks only.Deploy network intrusion detection systems to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Deploy NIDS to monitor network traffic for signs of suspicious or anomalous activity. This may help detect malicious actions that an attacker may take after successfully exploiting vulnerabilities.
Change default user IDs and passwords.
Ensure that the guest user account is disabled. This will limit exposure to this and other potential vulnerabilities.
Microsoft has released a security bulletin and fixes to address this vulnerability.
Credits
Joshua Morin of Codenomicon
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