Is CVE-2023-3961 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2023-3961 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2023-3961 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2023-3961 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2023-3961?

CVE-2023-3961 has a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL).

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CRITICAL

CVE-2023-3961

CWE-22Published: November 3, 2023· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.8

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

A path traversal vulnerability was identified in Samba when processing client pipe names connecting to Unix domain sockets within a private directory. Samba typically uses this mechanism to connect SMB clients to remote procedure call (RPC) services like SAMR LSA or SPOOLSS, which Samba initiates on demand. However, due to inadequate sanitization of incoming client pipe names, allowing a client to send a pipe name containing Unix directory traversal characters (../). This could result in SMB clients connecting as root to Unix domain sockets outside the private directory. If an attacker or client managed to send a pipe name resolving to an external service using an existing Unix domain socket, it could potentially lead to unauthorized access to the service and consequential adverse events, including compromise or service crashes.

NVD Source

Risk Analysis

A path traversal vulnerability in Samba allows remote attackers to connect as root to Unix domain sockets outside of the intended directory. This critical flaw, with a CVSS score of 9.8, could result in unauthorized access to sensitive RPC services.

There is no public exploit known, and the vulnerability is not in the KEV database. It is remotely exploitable with low attack complexity.

Recommended Action

Apply the latest security patches provided by your Linux distribution or Samba maintainers.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2023-3961 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

The vulnerability requires no privileges and no user interaction, making it a prime target for automated exploitation campaigns and worm-like propagation.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.8.