CVE-2007-2444 in Samba
Summary
by MITRE
Logic error in the SID/Name translation functionality in smbd in Samba 3.0.23d through 3.0.25pre2 allows local users to gain temporary privileges and execute SMB/CIFS protocol operations via unspecified vectors that cause the daemon to transition to the root user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2444 represents a critical logic error within the Samba implementation that affects versions 3.0.23d through 3.0.25pre2. This flaw resides in the smbd daemon's SID/Name translation functionality, which serves as a fundamental component for user authentication and access control in SMB/CIFS protocol implementations. The vulnerability specifically targets the daemon's privilege management mechanism, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit the system's security model through what are described as unspecified vectors. The technical nature of this flaw allows for an unauthorized transition of the daemon's execution context from its normal user privileges to the root user account, effectively providing attackers with elevated system access. This privilege escalation occurs through manipulation of the SID/Name translation process, which is responsible for mapping security identifiers to user names and vice versa within the SMB/CIFS framework. The vulnerability operates at a foundational level within the Samba architecture, exploiting a design flaw that should have prevented such privilege transitions from occurring during normal protocol operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation as it fundamentally compromises the security boundaries that Samba maintains between different user contexts. When the smbd daemon transitions to root privileges through this logic error, it essentially provides an attacker with the ability to execute any SMB/CIFS protocol operations with the full authority of the root user. This includes but is not limited to accessing restricted files, modifying system configurations, creating new user accounts, and potentially establishing persistent backdoors within the system. The temporary nature of the privilege gain means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform their malicious activities while the daemon maintains elevated privileges, though the duration of this elevated state depends on the specific exploitation vectors used. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant escalation opportunity because it allows local users to effectively bypass the normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized system manipulation. The implications are particularly severe in environments where Samba servers are used to provide file and print services, as these systems often contain sensitive organizational data and serve as critical infrastructure components.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of a privilege escalation flaw that aligns with CWE-276, which deals with incorrect permissions for critical resources. The vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities and the use of legitimate credentials for unauthorized access. Organizations running affected Samba versions face a heightened risk of system compromise, particularly in environments where local user access is not properly restricted or monitored. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the original description suggest that multiple attack paths may exist, making this vulnerability particularly challenging to defend against through traditional network-level security controls. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions within the 3.0.25pre2 release series indicates a persistent flaw in the Samba codebase that required immediate patching. System administrators should prioritize applying the appropriate security patches and updates from the Samba project, while also implementing monitoring for unusual privilege escalation activities within their network infrastructure. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to move laterally within a network environment. The remediation process involves not only patching the affected Samba installations but also conducting thorough security audits to ensure no unauthorized access has occurred through this vulnerability, particularly in environments where the Samba server serves as a primary file sharing service.