CVE-2007-0453 in Samba
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the nss_winbind.so.1 library in Samba 3.0.21 through 3.0.23d, as used in the winbindd daemon on Solaris, allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via the (1) gethostbyname and (2) getipnodebyname functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0453 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the nss_winbind.so.1 library component of Samba software versions 3.0.21 through 3.0.23d. This issue specifically affects the winbindd daemon implementation on Solaris operating systems, where the problematic library handles name service switching operations for Windows domain integration. The vulnerability manifests through two primary functions: gethostbyname and getipnodebyname, which are standard network resolution routines used to translate hostnames into IP addresses. The buffer overflow occurs when these functions process input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, creating opportunities for malicious code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the nss_winbind.so.1 library module. When the winbindd daemon processes network requests for hostname resolution, it relies on these functions to handle the translation between domain names and network addresses. The flaw arises because the library does not properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into fixed-size buffers, allowing attackers to overflow these memory regions. This buffer overflow condition creates a situation where malicious data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and function pointers, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the winbindd process. The vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching within networked environments utilizing Samba for Windows domain integration. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized code execution on systems running vulnerable Samba versions, potentially escalating privileges to the root level depending on the system configuration. The winbindd daemon typically runs with elevated privileges to facilitate domain authentication and user mapping operations, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous. Network-based attacks can originate from any location that can reach the affected Samba service, potentially allowing remote attackers to compromise entire domain environments. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on Samba for name resolution services, including file servers, domain controllers, and workstations configured for Windows domain integration. This creates a significant threat landscape where a single compromised system could potentially serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0453 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Samba installations to versions 3.0.24 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to Samba services and restrict the attack surface by disabling unnecessary name service switching modules. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the winbindd daemon with minimal required permissions and ensuring proper access controls are in place. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous name resolution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the gethostbyname and getipnodebyname function calls. Security configurations should include disabling the nss_winbind.so.1 module when not required for domain integration purposes. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns consistent with buffer overflow exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it a critical target for defensive security measures. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to ensure that all Samba components are properly updated and that the winbindd daemon operates within secure configurations.