Description
Buffer overflow in PAM SMB module (pam_smb) 1.1.6 and earlier, when authenticating to a remote service, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 3.0 | libpam-smb | 1.1.6-1.1woody1 | DSA-374 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- Linux pam_lib_smb < 1.1.6 - '/bin/login' Remote Overflow EDB-89 · remote · Aug 29, 2003 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-374 libpam-smb - buffer overflow Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- http://us2.samba.org/samba/ftp/pam_smb/
- CLA-2003:734 vendor-advisory
- RHSA-2003:261 vendor-advisory
- 20030901 GLSA: pam_smb (200309-01) mailing-list
- RHSA-2003:262 vendor-advisory
- VU#680260 third-party-advisory
- 9611 third-party-advisory
- DSA-374 vendor-advisory
- oval:org.mitre.oval:def:469 vdb-entry signature
- TLSA-2003-50 vendor-advisory