Comprehensive technical guide to the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, its evolution, architecture, and security implications for penetration testing.
Network file sharing protocol
Weak authentication, numerous vulnerabilities
❌ Disable immediately
Enhanced security, message signing
⚠️ Upgrade when possible
Improved authentication mechanisms
⚠️ Upgrade when possible
AES encryption, secure dialects
✅ Safe to use
Enhanced encryption algorithms
✅ Safe to use
Strongest security implementation
✅ Safe to use
User applications accessing shared resources
SMB protocol implementation
Network transport mechanisms
Network communication
Initiates requests to SMB servers
Provides shared resources and services
Routes SMB requests over network
NT LAN Manager authentication
NTLMv1 vulnerable, NTLMv2 better but still weak
Ticket-based authentication
Strong authentication when properly implemented
No authentication required
Highly insecure, should be disabled