findsmb

findsmb [options] [destination]

-r
    Display only the NetBIOS names of the servers found.

-w workgroup
    Specifies the workgroup to search for servers.

destination
    An optional IP address or network address to scan. If omitted, the local network is scanned.

findsmb is a command-line utility in Linux and Unix-like systems designed to discover and list available SMB/CIFS (Server Message Block/Common Internet File System) servers on a local network. It functions by sending SMB requests to each potential server and examining the responses. This allows users to identify network shares, printers, and other resources available via the SMB/CIFS protocol. The command simplifies network reconnaissance by providing a quick and easy way to enumerate accessible servers without needing to configure complex networking tools. It is often used in scripting and automation for tasks such as identifying available file servers or verifying network connectivity for SMB-based services.

The primary use case for findsmb is to determine which machines are running SMB services and what shares they are advertising. It can reveal crucial information about network resources. However, it's important to understand that findsmb is only as effective as the configuration of the network and the target servers. Firewalls or other security measures may block the SMB requests, preventing findsmb from identifying all available servers.

Firewalls and other security measures may block SMB requests, so findsmb may not find all available servers.

findsmb
Scans the local network for SMB servers.

findsmb 192.168.1.0/24
Scans the 192.168.1.0/24 network for SMB servers.

findsmb -r
Lists only the NetBIOS names of servers found on the local network.

While useful, findsmb can also be employed by malicious actors to map network resources. Ensure that SMB servers are properly secured and that network access is appropriately restricted to mitigate potential risks.

findsmb is part of the Samba suite, which is an open-source implementation of the SMB/CIFS networking protocol. Samba was initially developed in the early 1990s to enable interoperability between Unix-like systems and Windows networks. findsmb has evolved along with Samba, becoming a staple tool for network administrators and security professionals needing to identify and interact with SMB/CIFS servers.

Initially used in simpler local network environment and grown to support more complex and secure networks as Samba evolved.

smbclient(1), nmblookup(1), netstat(1)