CVE-2016-3345 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The SMBv1 server in Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted packets, aka "Windows SMB Authenticated Remote Code Execution Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-3345 represents a critical authenticated remote code execution flaw within the Server Message Block version 1 protocol implementation in multiple Microsoft Windows operating systems. This vulnerability specifically affects Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, and Windows 10 Gold, 1511, and 1607 versions. The flaw exists in the SMBv1 server component that handles authentication and file sharing operations, making it a prime target for exploitation in network-based attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the SMBv1 server implementation when processing specially crafted packets. Attackers can leverage this flaw by sending maliciously constructed SMB packets to a target system, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the authenticated user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because SMBv1 is a widely used protocol for file sharing and network communication, and many systems continue to support it for backward compatibility reasons. This flaw allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and execute malicious code on vulnerable systems, making it a significant threat to enterprise network security.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-3345 extends beyond individual system compromise to potentially enable broader network infiltration and lateral movement. Once an attacker gains initial access through this vulnerability, they can leverage the executed code to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks against other network resources. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Windows versions means that organizations with heterogeneous environments face increased risk, as attackers can target the most vulnerable system in their network regardless of other systems' security posture. This characteristic aligns with the ATT&CK framework's concept of initial access and execution phases, where attackers exploit software vulnerabilities to gain system control.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on disabling SMBv1 protocol support, which is the most effective approach given the protocol's inherent security weaknesses and the availability of more secure alternatives. Organizations should implement Group Policy settings or registry modifications to disable SMBv1 on all affected systems, as recommended by Microsoft security advisories. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules can be configured to restrict SMB traffic to necessary internal communications only, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 indicates improper input validation issues, emphasizing the need for robust input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Security teams should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual SMB traffic patterns and maintain updated security patches to prevent exploitation attempts, aligning with the principle of defense in depth as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks.