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HistoryJan 13, 2009 - 12:00 a.m.

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-001 - Critical Vulnerabilities in SMB Could Allow Remote Code Execution (958687)

2009-01-1300:00:00
vulners.com
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Microsoft Security Bulletin MS09-001 - Critical
Vulnerabilities in SMB Could Allow Remote Code Execution (958687)
Published: January 13, 2009

Version: 1.0
General Information
Executive Summary

This security update resolves several privately reported vulnerabilities in Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol. The vulnerabilities could allow remote code execution on affected systems. An attacker who successfully exploited these vulnerabilities could install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Firewall best practices and standard default firewall configurations can help protect networks from attacks that originate outside the enterprise perimeter. Best practices recommend that systems that are connected to the Internet have a minimal number of ports exposed.

This security update is rated Critical for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003, and Moderate for all supported editions of Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by validating the fields inside the SMB packets. For more information about the vulnerabilities, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

Recommendation. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update immediately.

Known Issues. None
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Affected and Non-Affected Software

The following software have been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Affected Software
Operating System Maximum Security Impact Aggregate Severity Rating Bulletins Replaced by this Update

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

Remote Code Execution

Critical

MS08-063

Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3

Remote Code Execution

Critical

MS08-063

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Remote Code Execution

Critical

MS08-063

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

Remote Code Execution

Critical

MS08-063

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Remote Code Execution

Critical

MS08-063

Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

Remote Code Execution

Critical

MS08-063

Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Remote Code Execution

Moderate

MS08-063

Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1

Remote Code Execution

Moderate

MS08-063

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems*

Remote Code Execution

Moderate

MS08-063

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems*

Remote Code Execution

Moderate

MS08-063

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems

Remote Code Execution

Moderate

MS08-063

*Windows Server 2008 server core installation affected. For supported editions of Windows Server 2008, this update applies, with the same severity rating, whether or not Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update

Where are the file information details?
The file information details can be found in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 958687.

Why does this update address several reported security vulnerabilities?
This update contains support for several vulnerabilities because the modifications that are required to address these issues are located in related files. Instead of having to install several updates that are almost the same, customers need to install this update only.

I am using an older release of the software discussed in this security bulletin. What should I do?
The affected software listed in this bulletin have been tested to determine which releases are affected. Other releases are past their support life cycle. To determine the support life cycle for your software release, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

It should be a priority for customers who have older releases of the software to migrate to supported releases to prevent potential exposure to vulnerabilities. For more information about the Windows Product Lifecycle, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle. For more information about the extended security update support period for these software versions or editions, visit Microsoft Product Support Services.

Customers who require custom support for older releases must contact their Microsoft account team representative, their Technical Account Manager, or the appropriate Microsoft partner representative for custom support options. Customers without an Alliance, Premier, or Authorized Contract can contact their local Microsoft sales office. For contact information, visit Microsoft Worldwide Information, select the country, and then click Go to see a list of telephone numbers. When you call, ask to speak with the local Premier Support sales manager. For more information, see the Windows Operating System Product Support Lifecycle FAQ.
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Vulnerability Information

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers
Vulnerability Severity Rating and Maximum Security Impact by Affected Software
Affected Software SMB Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4834 SMB Validation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4835 SMB Validation Denial of Service Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4114 Aggregate Severity Rating

Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Critical

Windows XP Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 3

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Critical

Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Critical

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Critical

Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Critical

Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based Systems and Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based Systems

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Critical
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Critical

Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Not applicable

Moderate
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Moderate

Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1

Not applicable

Moderate
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Moderate

Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems*

Not applicable

Moderate
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Moderate

Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems*

Not applicable

Moderate
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Moderate

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems

Not applicable

Moderate
Remote Code Execution

Moderate
Denial of Service

Moderate

*Windows Server 2008 server core installation affected. For supported editions of Windows Server 2008, this update applies, with the same severity rating, whether or not Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.
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SMB Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4834

An unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol software handles specially crafted SMB packets. An attempt to exploit the vulnerability would not require authentication, allowing an attacker to exploit the vulnerability by sending a specially crafted network message to a computer running the Server service. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of the system. Most attempts to exploit this vulnerability would result in a system denial of service condition, however remote code execution is theoretically possible.

To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2008-4834.

Mitigating Factors for SMB Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4834

Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

Firewall best practices and standard default firewall configurations can help protect networks from attacks that originate outside the enterprise perimeter. Best practices recommend that systems that are connected to the Internet have a minimal number of ports exposed. In this case, the SMB ports should be blocked from the Internet.

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 are not affected by this vulnerability.
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Workarounds for SMB Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4834

Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:

Block TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall

These ports are used to initiate a connection with the affected component. Blocking TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall will help protect systems that are behind that firewall from attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Microsoft recommends that you block all unsolicited inbound communication from the Internet to help prevent attacks that may use other ports. For more information about ports, see TCP and UDP Port Assignments.

Impact of workaround. Several Windows services use the affected ports. Blocking connectivity to the ports may cause various applications or services to not function. Some of the applications or services that could be impacted are listed below:

Applications that use SMB (CIFS)

Applications that use mailslots or named pipes (RPC over SMB)

Server (File and Print Sharing)

Group Policy

Net Logon

Distributed File System (DFS)

Terminal Server Licensing

Print Spooler

Computer Browser

Remote Procedure Call Locator

Fax Service

Indexing Service

Performance Logs and Alerts

Systems Management Server

License Logging Service

How to undo the workaround. Unblock TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall. For more information about ports, see TCP and UDP Port Assignments.
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FAQ for SMB Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4834

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

What causes the vulnerability?
The vulnerability is caused by the Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol software insufficiently validating the buffer size before writing to it.

What is Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol?
Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol is a Microsoft network file sharing protocol used in Microsoft Windows. For more information on SMB see Microsoft SMB Protocol and CIFS Protocol Overview.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. Most attempts to exploit this vulnerability will cause an affected system to stop responding and restart.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
An attacker could try to exploit the vulnerability by creating a specially crafted message and sending the message to an affected system.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
All systems with SMB server service are affected by this vulnerability. Domain controllers are at a greater risk for this vulnerability than workstations or other servers.

What does the update do?
The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by validating the fields inside the SMB packets.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through responsible disclosure. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly disclosed when this security bulletin was originally issued.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.
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SMB Validation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4835

An unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol software handles specially crafted SMB packets. An attempt to exploit the vulnerability would not require authentication, allowing an attacker to exploit the vulnerability by sending a specially crafted network message to a computer running the Server service. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the attacker to take complete control of the system. Most attempts to exploit this vulnerability would result in a system denial of service condition, however remote code execution is theoretically possible.

To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2008-4835.

Mitigating Factors for SMB Validation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4835

Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

Firewall best practices and standard default firewall configurations can help protect networks from attacks that originate outside the enterprise perimeter. Best practices recommend that systems that are connected to the Internet have a minimal number of ports exposed. In this case, the SMB ports should be blocked from the Internet.

All supported editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 have file sharing disabled by default, which reduces the exposure of these platforms to this vulnerability. This default configuration, which is a change from earlier platforms, results in a reduced attack surface for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, and reduces the severity rating for this vulnerability to Moderate for these platforms.
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Workarounds for SMB Validation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4835

Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:

Block TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall

These ports are used to initiate a connection with the affected component. Blocking TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall will help protect systems that are behind that firewall from attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Microsoft recommends that you block all unsolicited inbound communication from the Internet to help prevent attacks that may use other ports. For more information about ports, see TCP and UDP Port Assignments.

Impact of workaround. Several Windows services use the affected ports. Blocking connectivity to the ports may cause various applications or services to not function. Some of the applications or services that could be impacted are listed below:

Applications that use SMB (CIFS)

Applications that use mailslots or named pipes (RPC over SMB)

Server (File and Print Sharing)

Group Policy

Net Logon

Distributed File System (DFS)

Terminal Server Licensing

Print Spooler

Computer Browser

Remote Procedure Call Locator

Fax Service

Indexing Service

Performance Logs and Alerts

Systems Management Server

License Logging Service

How to undo the workaround. Unblock TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall. For more information about ports, see TCP and UDP Port Assignments.
Top of sectionTop of section

FAQ for SMB Validation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4835

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

What causes the vulnerability?
The vulnerability is caused by the Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol software insufficiently validating the buffer size before writing to it.

What is Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol?
Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol is a Microsoft network file sharing protocol used in Microsoft Windows. For more information on SMB see Microsoft SMB Protocol and CIFS Protocol Overview.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could take complete control of an affected system. Most attempts to exploit this vulnerability will cause an affected system to stop responding and restart.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
An attacker could try to exploit the vulnerability by creating a specially crafted message and sending the message to an affected system.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
All systems with SMB server service are affected by this vulnerability. Domain controllers are at a greater risk for this vulnerability.

What does the update do?
The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by validating the fields inside the SMB packets.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
No. Microsoft received information about this vulnerability through responsible disclosure. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly disclosed when this security bulletin was originally issued.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers and had not seen any examples of proof of concept code published when this security bulletin was originally issued.
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SMB Validation Denial of Service Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4114

A denial of service vulnerability exists in the way that Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol software handles specially crafted SMB packets. An attempt to exploit the vulnerability would not require authentication, allowing an attacker to exploit the vulnerability by sending a specially crafted network message to a computer running the Server service. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause the computer to stop responding and restart.

To view this vulnerability as a standard entry in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures list, see CVE-2008-4114.

Mitigating Factors for SMB Validation Denial of Service Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4114

Mitigation refers to a setting, common configuration, or general best-practice, existing in a default state, that could reduce the severity of exploitation of a vulnerability. The following mitigating factors may be helpful in your situation:

Firewall best practices and standard default firewall configurations can help protect networks from attacks that originate outside the enterprise perimeter. Best practices recommend that systems that are connected to the Internet have a minimal number of ports exposed. In this case, the SMB ports should be blocked from the Internet.

All supported editions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 have file sharing disabled by default, which reduces the exposure of these platforms to this vulnerability. This default configuration, which is a change from earlier platforms, results in a reduced attack surface for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
Top of sectionTop of section

Workarounds for SMB Validation Denial of Service Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4114

Workaround refers to a setting or configuration change that does not correct the underlying vulnerability but would help block known attack vectors before you apply the update. Microsoft has tested the following workarounds and states in the discussion whether a workaround reduces functionality:

Block TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall

These ports are used to initiate a connection with the affected component. Blocking TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall will help protect systems that are behind that firewall from attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Microsoft recommends that you block all unsolicited inbound communication from the Internet to help prevent attacks that may use other ports. For more information about ports, see TCP and UDP Port Assignments.

Impact of workaround. Several Windows services use the affected ports. Blocking connectivity to the ports may cause various applications or services to not function. Some of the applications or services that could be impacted are listed below:

Applications that use SMB (CIFS)

Applications that use mailslots or named pipes (RPC over SMB)

Server (File and Print Sharing)

Group Policy

Net Logon

Distributed File System (DFS)

Terminal Server Licensing

Print Spooler

Computer Browser

Remote Procedure Call Locator

Fax Service

Indexing Service

Performance Logs and Alerts

Systems Management Server

License Logging Service

How to undo the workaround. Unblock TCP ports 139 and 445 at the firewall. For more information about ports, see TCP and UDP Port Assignments.
Top of sectionTop of section

FAQ for SMB Validation Denial of Service Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4114

What is the scope of the vulnerability?
This is a denial of service vulnerability. An attacker who exploited this vulnerability could cause the affected system to stop responding and automatically restart. Note that the denial of service vulnerability would not allow an attacker to execute code or to elevate their user rights, but it could cause the affected system to stop accepting requests.

What causes the vulnerability?
The vulnerability is caused by the Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol software insufficiently validating the buffer size before writing to it.

What is Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol?
Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol is a Microsoft network file sharing protocol used in Microsoft Windows. For more information on SMB see Microsoft SMB Protocol and CIFS Protocol Overview.

What might an attacker use the vulnerability to do?
An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could cause a user's system to stop responding and restart.

How could an attacker exploit the vulnerability?
An attacker could try to exploit the vulnerability by creating a specially crafted message and sending the message to an affected system.

What systems are primarily at risk from the vulnerability?
All systems with SMB server service are affected by this vulnerability. Domain controllers are at a greater risk for this vulnerability.

What does the update do?
The security update addresses the vulnerabilities by validating the fields inside the SMB packets.

When this security bulletin was issued, had this vulnerability been publicly disclosed?
Yes. This vulnerability has been publicly disclosed. It has been assigned Common Vulnerability and Exposure number CVE-2008-4114.

When this security bulletin was issued, had Microsoft received any reports that this vulnerability was being exploited?
No. Microsoft had seen examples of proof of concept code published publicly but had not received any information to indicate that this vulnerability had been publicly used to attack customers when this security bulletin was originally issued.

Other Information
Acknowledgments

Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:

An anonymous researcher, working with TippingPoint and the Zero Day Initiative, for reporting the SMB Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2008-4834)

An anonymous researcher, working with TippingPoint and the Zero Day Initiative, for reporting the SMB Validation Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2008-4835)

Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP)

To improve security protections for customers, Microsoft provides vulnerability information to major security software providers in advance of each monthly security update release. Security software providers can then use this vulnerability information to provide updated protections to customers via their security software or devices, such as antivirus, network-based intrusion detection systems, or host-based intrusion prevention systems. To determine whether active protections are available from security software providers, please visit the active protections Web sites provided by program partners, listed in Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP) Partners.

Support

Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates.

International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support Web site.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

Revisions

V1.0 (January 13, 2009): Bulletin published.

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