CVE-2002-2196 in Samba
Summary
by MITRE
Samba before 2.2.5 does not properly terminate the enum_csc_policy data structure, which may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a buffer overflow attack.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2196 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Samba file sharing implementation that affected versions prior to 2.2.5. This issue resides in the handling of the enum_csc_policy data structure, which is part of the Samba server's implementation of the Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol. The flaw occurs when Samba processes certain network requests that involve enumeration of caching policies, creating a scenario where attacker-controlled input can cause memory corruption through improper buffer management. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Windows file sharing functionality that Samba implements, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments where Samba servers serve as file shares for Windows clients.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking and memory management within the enum_csc_policy processing code path. When a remote attacker sends a specially crafted CIFS request containing malformed data, the Samba server fails to properly terminate or validate the size of the data structure during enumeration operations. This allows the attacker to overflow a fixed-size buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. The flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption. The vulnerability exists in the server-side processing logic where the system does not adequately enforce size limits on incoming data structures, creating an opportunity for arbitrary code execution through carefully constructed malicious payloads.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2196 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include full system compromise when exploited successfully. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Samba service account, which typically runs with elevated permissions on Unix/Linux systems. This creates a significant risk for networked environments where Samba servers function as primary file sharing services, as attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, establish persistent backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly exposed Samba servers. Organizations using vulnerable Samba versions face potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations, especially in environments governed by security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2196 primarily focus on immediate software updates and network hardening measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Samba version 2.2.5 or later, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper bounds checking and memory management. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit exposure of Samba services to untrusted networks and consider disabling unnecessary CIFS services or features that might expose the vulnerable code paths. Additional protective measures include deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious CIFS traffic patterns and implementing network access controls that restrict access to Samba services based on trusted IP addresses. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation, and organizations should consider implementing defensive measures such as process isolation and memory protection mechanisms to reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts.