Launch Printer Friendly Page Security TechCenter > Security Bulletins > Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-063

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-063 - Important

Vulnerability in SMB Could Allow Remote Code Execution (957095)

Published: | Updated:

Version: 1.1

General Information

Executive Summary

This security update resolves a privately reported vulnerability in Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) Protocol. The vulnerability could allow remote code execution on a server that is sharing files or folders. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

This security update is rated Important for all supported editions of Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008. For more information, see the subsection, Affected and Non-Affected Software, in this section.

The security update addresses the vulnerability by modifying the way that SMB handles file name length validation and file sharing. For more information about the vulnerability, see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) subsection for the specific vulnerability entry under the next section, Vulnerability Information.

Recommendation. Microsoft recommends that customers apply the update at the earliest opportunity.

Known Issues. None

Affected and Non-Affected Software

The following software have been tested to determine which versions or editions are affected. Other versions or editions are either past their support life cycle or are not affected. To determine the support life cycle for your software version or edition, visit Microsoft Support Lifecycle.

Affected Software

Operating SystemMaximum Security ImpactAggregate Severity RatingBulletins Replaced by this Update
Microsoft Windows 2000 Service Pack 4Remote Code ExecutionImportantMS06-063
Windows XP Service Pack 2Remote Code ExecutionImportantMS06-063
Windows XP Service Pack 3Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Windows XP Professional x64 EditionRemote Code ExecutionImportantMS06-063
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1Remote Code ExecutionImportantMS06-063
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Windows Server 2003 x64 EditionRemote Code ExecutionImportantMS06-063
Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition Service Pack 2Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Windows Server 2003 with SP1 for Itanium-based SystemsRemote Code ExecutionImportantMS06-063
Windows Server 2003 with SP2 for Itanium-based SystemsRemote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 1Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Windows Vista x64 Edition and Windows Vista x64 Edition Service Pack 1Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Windows Server 2008 for 32-bit Systems*Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Windows Server 2008 for x64-based Systems*Remote Code ExecutionImportantNone
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based SystemsRemote Code ExecutionImportantNone

*Windows Server 2008 server core installation affected. For supported editions of Windows Server 2008, this update applies, with the same severity rating, whether or not Windows Server 2008 was installed using the Server Core installation option. For more information on this installation option, see Server Core. Note that the Server Core installation option does not apply to certain editions of Windows Server 2008; see Compare Server Core Installation Options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to This Security Update

Vulnerability Information

Severity Ratings and Vulnerability Identifiers

SMB Buffer Underflow Vulnerability - CVE-2008-4038

Update Information

Detection and Deployment Tools and Guidance

Security Update Deployment

Other Information

Acknowledgments

Microsoft thanks the following for working with us to help protect customers:

  • Joshua Morin of Codenomicon for reporting the SMB Buffer Underflow Vulnerability (CVE-2008-4038)

Support

  • Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge for support calls that are associated with security updates.
  • International customers can receive support from their local Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is associated with security updates. For more information about how to contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support Web site.

Disclaimer

The information provided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Microsoft disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, loss of business profits or special damages, even if Microsoft Corporation or its suppliers have been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the foregoing limitation may not apply.

Revisions

  • V1.0 (October 14, 2008): Bulletin published.
  • V1.1 (October 15, 2008): Bulletin updated to clarify that the updates for Windows Vista and Windows 2008 do not require a restart, and to correct the registry key verification entry for Windows XP.