CVE-2000-0008 in FTPPro
Summary
by MITRE
FTPPro allows local users to read sensitive information, which is stored in plain text.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0008 affects FTPPro software where local users can access sensitive information that is stored in plain text format. This represents a fundamental security flaw in how the application handles sensitive data storage and access controls. The issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper encryption or obfuscation mechanisms for storing authentication credentials, configuration details, or other confidential data within the system. When sensitive information is stored in plain text, it becomes immediately accessible to any local user with file system access, creating a significant security risk that violates basic information security principles.
This vulnerability operates at the data storage and access control level, making it particularly dangerous because it allows unauthorized local access to confidential information without requiring additional exploitation techniques. The flaw directly relates to CWE-312, which describes the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, and CWE-522, which addresses insufficiently protected credentials. The vulnerability enables local privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can gain access to system credentials, user information, or other sensitive data that should remain protected. From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability undermines the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and represents a critical weakness in the application's security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain deeper system access and potentially escalate privileges. Local users who can read plain text sensitive information may obtain passwords, encryption keys, or configuration parameters that could be used to compromise additional system components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1003, which covers OS credential dumping, and T1083, which addresses file and directory discovery. The attack surface is broadened because any local user with read access to the application's data storage locations can exploit this weakness, making it particularly concerning for multi-user systems where users may have varying levels of access rights.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper data encryption mechanisms for all sensitive information stored by FTPPro. The application should employ strong encryption algorithms to protect stored credentials and confidential data, ensuring that even if local users gain file system access, they cannot read the protected information. System administrators should implement proper access controls and file permissions to limit local user access to sensitive data storage areas. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that sensitive information is properly encrypted and that no plain text storage mechanisms exist for confidential data. The implementation of proper key management practices and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications and systems.