CVE-2000-0084 in CuteFTP
Summary
by MITRE
CuteFTP uses weak encryption to store password information in its tree.dat file.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0084 affects CuteFTP, a popular file transfer client software that was widely used in the late 1990s and early 2000s for managing ftp connections. This issue represents a critical weakness in how the application handles credential storage, specifically targeting the persistence mechanism used for storing user authentication information. The vulnerability stems from the application's implementation of encryption algorithms that were considered inadequate by contemporary security standards, creating a significant risk for users who relied on the software for their ftp operations.
The technical flaw in CuteFTP's implementation involves the use of weak encryption methods to protect password information stored in the tree.dat configuration file. This file serves as a repository for connection parameters including hostnames, usernames, and passwords that users configure for their ftp sessions. The encryption used was insufficient to prevent determined attackers from recovering the stored credentials, essentially creating a plaintext-like exposure of sensitive authentication data. This weakness falls under the category of inadequate cryptographic implementation as classified by CWE-327, which specifically addresses the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in applying proper security practices for credential management within desktop applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates a persistent security risk for all users who stored their ftp credentials within CuteFTP's configuration files. Attackers with access to a compromised system could easily extract stored passwords and use them to gain unauthorized access to ftp servers, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, or unauthorized file transfers. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that relied on CuteFTP for automated or routine ftp operations, as the exposure of stored credentials could provide attackers with continued access to sensitive systems. The risk is compounded by the fact that many users would store multiple sets of credentials for different servers, creating a comprehensive attack surface for unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected users and organizations, including immediate credential rotation for all ftp accounts that were configured within CuteFTP. System administrators should implement comprehensive password management practices and consider migrating to more secure ftp clients that implement proper encryption standards for credential storage. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices for credential management and demonstrates how legacy software implementations can create persistent security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring and access controls to detect and prevent unauthorized access attempts using stolen credentials. This vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper cryptographic implementation in security-sensitive applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credential access through stored credentials, emphasizing the need for robust credential protection mechanisms in all software applications.