CVE-2004-0882 in Samba
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the QFILEPATHINFO request handler in Samba 3.0.x through 3.0.7 may allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a TRANSACT2_QFILEPATHINFO request with a small "maximum data bytes" value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0882 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Samba file sharing implementation that affects versions 3.0.x through 3.0.7. This flaw specifically resides in the QFILEPATHINFO request handler component of the SMB/CIFS protocol implementation, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the core of network file sharing functionality. The vulnerability manifests when processing TRANSACT2_QFILEPATHINFO requests, which are part of the Windows NT transacted file operations that allow clients to query file information without opening files first. The buffer overflow occurs due to inadequate input validation and bounds checking in how Samba handles the "maximum data bytes" parameter within these specific requests.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting a malicious TRANSACT2_QFILEPATHINFO request with a deliberately small "maximum data bytes" value that causes the Samba server to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This particular implementation flaw allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical data structures or injecting executable code. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow under CWE-121, which specifically addresses buffer access violations that occur when insufficient bounds checking is performed on buffers. The flaw is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely without requiring authentication, making it an ideal candidate for automated exploitation tools and widespread attack scenarios.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it provides remote attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Samba service account. This could potentially lead to complete system compromise, especially if the Samba service is running with elevated privileges. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further network reconnaissance and lateral movement activities. The vulnerability's remote execution capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploiting weaknesses in remote services, and represents a significant threat vector in enterprise environments where Samba servers are commonly deployed for file sharing and network resource access. Organizations using affected Samba versions face substantial risk of unauthorized access and data breaches when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0882 primarily involve immediate patching of affected Samba installations to versions that properly validate input parameters and implement appropriate bounds checking for buffer operations. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Samba services to untrusted networks, while monitoring for suspicious TRANSACT2_QFILEPATHINFO request patterns in network traffic logs. Additional defensive measures include implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed SMB requests and configuring firewalls to restrict access to Samba ports from trusted sources only. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough input validation and memory safety practices in network service implementations, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability management processes in enterprise environments. Organizations should also consider implementing application-level firewalls or proxy services to provide additional layers of protection for critical file sharing services.