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Security Best Practice: Protect Yourself from Brute Force Scanning of CIFS Ports

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Check Point Reference: SBP-2011-03
Date Published:
Severity:
Source: IPS Research Center
Protection Provided by: Security Gateway
  • R75
  • R71
  • R70
Who is Vulnerable?
Microsoft Windows clients
Vulnerability Description
CIFS is an extension to the Message Block Server (SMB) protocol, a network protocol native to Windows systems which allows sharing of files and printers across a network. By trying to repeatedly authenticate to a SMB connected server using different passwords, it is possible to crack user accounts on the remote target or compromise the target.
Scanning machines on a network involves the same Brute Force technique - sending a large amount of packets for various protocols, and deducing which services are listening from the responses received.
Vulnerability Details
A host port scan is directed at a specific host or network. A scan on CIFS ports can determine which services a host offers. Attackers can then direct their efforts against those services on that machine.

Protection Overview
This protection will detect and block Brute Force scanning of CIFS ports.

In order for the protection to be activated, update your Security Gateway product to the latest IPS update. For information on how to update IPS, go to SBP-2006-05, Protection tab and select the version of your choice.

To configure the defense, select your product from the list below and follow the related protection steps.

Security Gateway: R75

How Can I Protect My Network?
1. In the IPS tab, click Protections > By Protocol > IPS Software Blade > Application Intelligence > Microsoft Networks.
2. In the right pane, double-click the following protection:

Brute Force Scanning of CIFS Ports

3. In the Protection Details window, click on Edit. Choose the protection's Action (Override IPS Policy with: Prevent/Detect), and apply Additional Settings.
4. Install policy on all modules.

How Do I Know if My Network is Under Attack?
SmartView Tracker will log the following entries:

Attack Name: Windows SMB Protection Violation
Attack Information: Brute Force scanning of CIFS ports

Security Gateway: R70/R71

How Can I Protect My Network?
1. In the IPS tab, click Protections > By Protocol > Application Intelligence > Microsoft Networks.
2. In the right pane, double-click the following protection:

Brute Force Scanning of CIFS Ports

3. In the Protection Details window, click on Edit. Choose the protection's Action (Override IPS Policy with: Prevent/Detect), and apply Additional Settings.
4. Install policy on all modules.

How Do I Know if My Network is Under Attack?
SmartView Tracker will log the following entries:

Attack Name: Windows SMB Protection Violation
Attack Information: Brute Force scanning of CIFS ports