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Update Protection against Microsoft SMB Endless Loop Denial of Service Vulnerability (MS10-020)

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Check Point Reference: CPAI-2009-296
Date Published:
Severity:
Last Updated:
Source: Microsoft Security Advisory (977544)
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-020
Industry Reference(s): CVE-2009-3676
Protection Provided by: Security Gateway
  • R70
VPN-1
  • NGX R65
VSX
  • NGX R65
IPS-1
  • IPS-1
  • IPS-1 NGX R65
Who is Vulnerable?
Windows 7 for 32-bit Systems
Windows 7 for x64-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 R2 for x64-based Systems
Windows Server 2008 R2 (Itanium)
Vulnerability Description
A denial of service vulnerability has been reported in the way that Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) protocol software handles specially crafted SMB packets. The SMB Protocol is a network file sharing protocol that is implemented in Microsoft Windows. A remote attacker may exploit this vulnerability to cause the affected system to stop responding until manually restarted.
Update/Patch Available
Apply patches:
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS10-020
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is due to an error in the Microsoft Server Message Block (SMB) implementation that fails to sufficiently validate all fields when parsing specially crafted SMB packets. A remote attacker could exploit this flaw via a specially crafted network message. Successful exploitation could cause a denial of service condition on the target system.

Protection Overview
This protection will detect and block malformed SMB packets.

In order for the protection to be activated, update your Security Gateway/VPN-1 product to the latest IPS/SmartDefense update. For information on how to update IPS/SmartDefense, 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 R70

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 Microsoft SMB Endless Loop Denial of Service protection.
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: Microsoft SMB endless loop denial of service

VPN-1 NGX R65 & VPN-1 VSX NGX R65

How Can I Protect My Network?
1. In the SmartDefense tab, click Application Intelligence > Microsoft Networks > Microsoft SMB Endless Loop Denial of Service.
2. In the configuration pane, under Settings > Mode, check Active.
3. 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: Microsoft SMB endless loop denial of service

IPS-1 & IPS-1 NGX R65

How Can I Protect My Network?

1. In the IPS-1 Policy Manager, click on the Protection tab.
2. In the Protection tree, click Network Security > SMB, and select the SMB Compliance protection group.
3. Click Microsoft SMB Endless Loop Denial of Service (IPS-1 NGX R65 only).
4. In the configuration pane, under Settings, check Active.
5. Click on Install Policy.

Protection for MS10-020:

1. In the IPS-1 Policy Manager, click on the Protection tab.
2. In the Protection tree, click Network Security > SMB, and select the SMB Compliance protection group.
3. Click Microsoft SMB Client Incomplete Response Denial of Service (MS10-020) (IPS-1 NGX R65 only).
4. In the configuration pane, under Settings, check Active.
5. Click on Install Policy.

How Do I Know if My Network is Under Attack?

Upon attack, the following entries will be logged:

Alert Name: SMB Compliance
Description: Microsoft SMB Endless Loop Denial of Service

(MS10-020)
Alert Name: SMB Compliance
Description: Microsoft SMB Client Incomplete Response Denial of Service (MS10-020)