CVE-2016-2345
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems by exploiting a stack-based buffer overflow in SolarWinds DameWare Mini Remote Control. Attackers can send a specially crafted string to the dwmrcs daemon to gain complete control of the target system. Organizations using the vulnerable version of this remote administration software are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- SolarWinds DameWare Mini Remote Control
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with remote code execution, allowing attackers to install malware, steal data, pivot to other systems, or establish persistent access.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to system takeover, credential theft, and lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation, firewalls, and access controls prevent exploitation attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code is available, making this easily weaponizable by attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 12.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.solarwinds.com/securityadvisory
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download and install SolarWinds DameWare Mini Remote Control version 12.1 or later from the official SolarWinds website. 2. Restart the system to ensure the updated dwmrcs daemon is running.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable dwmrcs service
windowsStop and disable the vulnerable dwmrcs daemon service
sc stop dwmrcs
sc config dwmrcs start= disabled
Block network access
windowsUse firewall rules to block inbound connections to the dwmrcs service port
netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="Block DameWare" dir=in action=block protocol=TCP localport=6129
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate systems running DameWare from critical assets
- Deploy intrusion prevention systems (IPS) with signatures to detect and block exploitation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if DameWare Mini Remote Control version 12.0 is installed and the dwmrcs service is runningCheck Version:
Check the version in Control Panel > Programs and Features or run the DameWare client and check AboutVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that DameWare version is 12.1 or later and the dwmrcs service is updated📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process creation from dwrcs.exe
- Failed authentication attempts to dwmrcs service
- Large or malformed network packets to port 6129
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to port 6129
- Exploit-specific payloads in network traffic
- Connection attempts from unexpected sources
SIEM Query:
source="dwmrcs.log" AND (event_id=4625 OR process_name="cmd.exe" OR process_name="powershell.exe")🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136293/Solarwinds-Dameware-Mini-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/897144
- http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/537823/100/0/threaded
- https://www.securifera.com/advisories/CVE-2016-2345
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/136293/Solarwinds-Dameware-Mini-Remote-Code-Execution.html
- http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/897144
- http://www.securityfocus.com/archive/1/537823/100/0/threaded
- https://www.securifera.com/advisories/CVE-2016-2345
