CVE-2012-1182 in Samba
Summary
by MITRE
The RPC code generator in Samba 3.x before 3.4.16, 3.5.x before 3.5.14, and 3.6.x before 3.6.4 does not implement validation of an array length in a manner consistent with validation of array memory allocation, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted RPC call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1182 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Remote Procedure Call implementation of Samba server software. This flaw exists in the RPC code generator component that processes incoming remote procedure calls from network clients. The vulnerability specifically affects Samba versions prior to 3.4.16, 3.5.14, and 3.6.4 across multiple release branches, making it a widespread issue affecting numerous enterprise and organizational deployments. The flaw stems from inconsistent validation between array length parameters and memory allocation mechanisms, creating a scenario where malicious input can bypass normal safety checks. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of array index values, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 for legitimate user privileges exploitation through remote code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when Samba processes RPC requests containing malformed array length specifications. During the RPC code generation phase, the software fails to properly validate that array length parameters match the allocated memory boundaries. This inconsistency allows attackers to submit crafted RPC calls with oversized array specifications that exceed the allocated buffer space. When the system attempts to process these malformed requests, it writes data beyond the intended memory boundaries, resulting in memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level where Samba's RPC implementation handles incoming requests from Windows clients and other network services that utilize SMB/CIFS protocols.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to network security infrastructure since Samba servers are commonly deployed as file sharing services, print servers, and domain controllers in mixed operating system environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain remote code execution privileges on affected systems without requiring authentication for the initial exploit, though subsequent access may require valid credentials. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable lateral movement within networks where Samba servers serve as gateways between different network segments. Organizations running older Samba versions face significant risk exposure, particularly those with extensive Windows domain environments that rely on Samba for interoperability or as backup domain controllers.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2012-1182 requires immediate patching of all affected Samba installations to versions 3.4.16, 3.5.14, or 3.6.4, depending on the specific version in use. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict RPC traffic to only trusted sources, particularly blocking unnecessary RPC ports such as TCP 135 and UDP 137-138. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious RPC call patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Samba versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on system criticality and network exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in network protocol implementations and serves as a reminder of the critical need for timely security patch management in enterprise environments.