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NetBIOS Design Allows Traffic Redirection

iago-vL writes "Security researchers at SkullSecurity have demonstrated how the NetBIOS protocol allows trivial hijacking due to its design, through the use of a tool called 'nbpoison' (in the package 'nbtool'). If a DNS lookup fails on Windows, the operating system will broadcast a NetBIOS lookup request that anybody can respond to. One vector of attack is against business workstations on an untrusted network, like a hotel; all DNS requests for internal resources can be redirected (Exchange, proxy, WPAD, etc). Other attack vectors are discussed in a related blog post. Although similar attacks exist against DHCP, ARP and many other LAN-based protocols, we all know that untrusted systems on a LAN means game over. NetBIOS poisoning is much quieter and less likely to break other things."

2 of 68 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Trivially Preventable by squiggleslash · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The registry tweaks to...

    I don't think "Trivially Preventable" means the same thing to you compared to the majority of Windows users.

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    You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
  2. In other news... by CPE1704TKS · · Score: 3, Insightful

    the security for the horse and buggy was compromised by experts who simply offered the horse a carrot. This allowed full access and control to the vehicle. Experts are at a loss to fix this security hole, and are actively encouraging users to upgrade to a newer technology.