CVE-2013-0213 in Samba
Summary
by MITRE
The Samba Web Administration Tool (SWAT) in Samba 3.x before 3.5.21, 3.6.x before 3.6.12, and 4.x before 4.0.2 allows remote attackers to conduct clickjacking attacks via a (1) FRAME or (2) IFRAME element.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0213 affects the Samba Web Administration Tool which is a web-based interface for managing Samba server configurations. This flaw exists in Samba versions prior to 3.5.21, 3.6.12, and 4.0.2, representing a critical security weakness that exposes systems to sophisticated attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web administration interface that administrators use to configure and manage Samba services, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to network resources. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the web interface components, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate the user interface through malicious web elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of HTML content within the Samba web administration tool's response headers and page rendering mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by embedding malicious FRAME or IFRAME elements in web pages that are accessed by authenticated users of the Samba server. These elements can be crafted to overlay legitimate interface components with deceptive content, potentially tricking users into performing unintended actions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1021, which specifically addresses improper restriction of operations within a browser's security scope, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the browser's security model. This type of attack can be categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for web shell execution and T1531 for credential access through social engineering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables attackers to conduct sophisticated clickjacking operations that can lead to complete system compromise. When authenticated users access compromised web pages containing malicious frames, they may unknowingly interact with manipulated interface elements, potentially allowing attackers to execute administrative commands, modify system configurations, or extract sensitive information. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on Samba for file sharing and network authentication services, as it provides a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized administrative control over critical network infrastructure. Organizations using older Samba versions are especially vulnerable because the web administration interface was not properly sandboxed against malicious content injection, creating a direct attack surface for web-based exploitation techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0213 require immediate patching of all affected Samba installations to versions that properly address the clickjacking vulnerability. System administrators should implement network segmentation to isolate Samba web administration interfaces from public-facing networks and ensure that access is restricted to authorized personnel only. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against frame-based attacks by preventing the embedding of malicious content. Organizations should also consider disabling the web administration interface when it is not actively required, as the vulnerability exists in the web-based management components rather than core Samba functionality. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious frame and iframe usage patterns in web traffic, and regular security assessments should verify that the updated Samba installations properly implement the necessary security controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities from reoccurring in future deployments.