Description
ntpd in NTP before 4.2.8p9, when running on Windows, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a large UDP packet.
In plain language
AI Worth attentionCVE-2016-9312 is a Windows-only bug in the NTP time server (ntpd) that can let someone on the network knock it offline using a very large UDP packet; a typical small business should worry if your NTP server is reachable from the internet or shared networks.
Executive summary
In ntpd (NTP) on Windows before 4.2.8p9, an attacker can trigger a denial of service by sending an oversized UDP packet that overwhelms the service (availability impact; remote, no authentication stated in the findings).
If affected, business impact
NTP service outageTime sync disruptionBusiness operations instabilityPotential secondary outages
What to do now
- Check whether you run an NTP server using ntpd on Windows, and whether UDP/123 is reachable from the internet or other untrusted networks.
- Identify your installed NTP version and confirm it is earlier than 4.2.8p9.
- Upgrade NTP on the affected Windows machines to 4.2.8p9 or later.
- If you cannot upgrade right now, restrict access to the NTP service (UDP/123) to only trusted internal IPs / networks per the available NTP workaround guidance.
- After changes, monitor for ntpd crashes or repeated service failures and verify that clients can still sync time.
Patch / advisory Some work to apply
CVSS Vector Breakdown
Exploitability
AV:NAttack VectorNetwork
AC:LAttack ComplexityLow
PR:NPrivileges RequiredNone
UI:NUser InteractionNone
Scope
S:UScopeUnchanged
Impact
C:NConfidentialityNone
I:NIntegrityNone
A:HAvailabilityHigh
Weaknesses
Affected Products
ntp
oss-projectaka ntp daemon
and 1 more affected products View all →
Exploitability
Official Patch Available
Workaround Available
References
http://support.ntp.org/bin/view/Main/SecurityNotice#Recent_Vulnerabilities
support.ntp.org
http://nwtime.org/ntp428p9_release/
nwtime.org
https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/633847
kb.cert.org
and 4 more references View all →
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