Vulnerabilities in NetBIOS Information Retrieval is a Low risk vulnerability that is one of the most frequently found on networks around the world. This issue has been around since at least 1990 but has proven either difficult to detect, difficult to resolve or prone to being overlooked entirely.
| Vulnerability Name: | NetBIOS Information Retrieval |
|---|---|
| Test ID: | 838 |
| Risk: | Low |
| Category: | SMB/NetBIOS |
| Type: | Attack |
| Summary: | We tried to use NetBIOS over TCP/IP to find information about your computer. The following information was retrieved: $OUTPUT |
| Impact: | If NetBIOS is enabled and open to the outside, attackers may try to reach shared directories and files. This also gives sensitive information to the attacker such as the computer name, domain, or workgroup. |
| Solution: | The recommended solution is to block it in your firewall (or even your router, using ACLs). If you have 2 network interfaces, remove the binding for 'disk and printer' sharing from the external network interface. |
| CVE: | CVE-1999-0621 |
Scanning For and Finding Vulnerabilities in NetBIOS Information Retrieval
Use of Vulnerability Management tools are standard practice for the discovery of this vulnerability. The primary failure of VA in finding this vulnerability is related to setting the proper scope and frequency of network scans. It is vital that the broadest range of hosts (active IPs) possible are scanned and that scanning is done frequently. We recommend weekly. Your existing scanning solution or set of test tools should make this not just possible, but easy and affordable.
Penetration Testing (pentest) for this Vulnerability
The Vulnerabilities in NetBIOS Information Retrieval is prone to false positive reports by most vulnerability assessment solutions. Fortra VM uses behavior based testing that eliminates this issue. For all other VA tools security consultants will recommend confirmation by direct observation. In any case Penetration testing procedures for discovery of Vulnerabilities in NetBIOS Information Retrieval produces the highest discovery accuracy rate, but the infrequency of this expensive form of testing degrades its value. The ideal would be to have pentesting accuracy and the frequency and scope possibilities of VA solutions.
Security Updates on Vulnerabilities in NetBIOS Information Retrieval
Given that this is one of the most frequently found vulnerabilities, there is ample information regarding mitigation online and very good reason to get it fixed. Hackers are also aware that this is a frequently found vulnerability and so its discovery and repair is that much more important. It is so well known and common that any network that has it present and unmitigated indicates "low hanging fruit" to attackers.
Disclosures related to this vulnerability
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/824105
Patching/Repairing this Vulnerability
Vulnerabilities in NetBIOS Information Retrieval is a Low risk vulnerability that is also high frequency and high visibility. This is the most severe combination of security factors that exists and it is extremely important to find it on your network and fix it as soon as possible.
Exploits related to Vulnerabilities in NetBIOS Information Retrieval
- http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=130690&seqNum=11
- https://www.giac.org/paper/gcih/202/windows-9x-share-vulnerability/101815
- http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/investigate-netbios-to-detect-and-guard-against-wi.html