Vulnerability record · CVE-2010-2550 · published 11 August 2010
CVE-2010-2550: Microsoft Windows SMB Server pool overflow allows remote code execution
Microsoft · Windows 2003 Server
The SMB Server in multiple Windows versions fails to properly validate fields in an SMB request, leading to a pool overflow. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can send a crafted SMB packet to execute arbitrary code with system privileges. This is a network-reachable, pre-authentication flaw in a core Windows service.
Description
The SMB Server in Microsoft Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows Server 2003 SP2, Windows Vista SP1 and SP2, Windows Server 2008 Gold, SP2, and R2, and Windows 7 does not properly validate fields in an SMB request, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted SMB packet, aka "SMB Pool Overflow Vulnerability."
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
Automated analysis
critical priorityCVSS 2.0 score of 10.0 with network vector, no authentication, and complete impact, combined with very high EPSS probability, makes this a top-priority patching target.
What it is
The SMB Server in multiple Windows versions fails to properly validate fields in an SMB request, leading to a pool overflow. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can send a crafted SMB packet to execute arbitrary code with system privileges. This is a network-reachable, pre-authentication flaw in a core Windows service.
Impact
An attacker can execute arbitrary code on the target system, typically with SYSTEM privileges, leading to full compromise. This enables installation of malware, data theft, or use of the host as a pivot point.
Attack surface
Reachable over the network via SMB (TCP 445 or 139); no authentication or user interaction is required per the AV:N/AC:L/Au:N vector. Any host exposing the SMB Server service is potentially vulnerable.
Exploitation
Not listed in CISA KEV, but EPSS probability is 0.7572 (99.5th percentile), indicating a high likelihood of exploitation activity. No public exploit references are tagged in the record.
What to do
- Apply Microsoft security bulletin MS10-054 immediately on all affected Windows versions.
- Block inbound SMB traffic (TCP 445 and 139) at network boundaries where not required.
- Disable the SMB Server service on systems that do not need to share files or printers.
- Segment networks to limit lateral movement from compromised hosts.
- Monitor for and restrict SMB access to trusted internal hosts only.
Detection
- Inspect SMB traffic for malformed or unusually large packets targeting port 445/139.
- Monitor Windows event logs for unexpected SMB Server crashes or restarts (e.g., Event ID 1000 or service failures).
- Use network IDS/IPS signatures for SMB pool overflow attempts if available.
- Track EPSS and vendor advisories for updated exploitation indicators.
This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.
Affected products
6 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.
References
Track CVE-2010-2550 inside VULONE
Watch it alongside the ransomware crews, C2 infrastructure and forum chatter that reference it, query it through the API and pull it into your SIEM over TAXII.
Related vulnerabilities
Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.
Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2010-2550), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.