CVE-2000-0574 in wu-ftpd
Summary
by MITRE
FTP servers such as OpenBSD ftpd, NetBSD ftpd, ProFTPd and Opieftpd do not properly cleanse untrusted format strings that are used in the setproctitle function (sometimes called by set_proc_title), which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service or execute arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2000-0574 represents a critical security flaw in multiple ftpd implementations including OpenBSD ftpd, NetBSD ftpd, ProFTPd, and Opieftpd. This issue stems from improper handling of untrusted input within the setproctitle function, which is commonly invoked through set_proc_title functionality. The flaw occurs when these ftp servers process user-supplied data without adequate sanitization before incorporating it into format string operations. The vulnerability exists at the system call level where process title information is manipulated, creating an environment where malicious input can be exploited to manipulate program execution flow. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of format string vulnerabilities as defined by CWE-134, which specifically addresses the improper use of format strings that can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service conditions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers send specially crafted input to ftp servers that utilize these vulnerable ftpd implementations. The format string vulnerability manifests when untrusted data is passed directly to functions like printf or fprintf without proper validation or sanitization. The setproctitle function, which is designed to set the process title for display in system process lists, becomes a vector for exploitation when it receives malformed input. Attackers can manipulate the format string arguments to cause the program to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations, potentially leading to stack corruption, information disclosure, or complete arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability demonstrates the classic characteristics of a format string exploit where the attacker can control memory addresses and function pointers through improper input handling.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0574 is significant for organizations relying on these ftpd implementations, as it provides attackers with potential paths to either disrupt service availability through denial of service conditions or gain unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability affects a broad range of ftp server implementations, making it particularly dangerous for environments where multiple ftp services are deployed. When exploited, the vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the ftpd process. This represents a severe threat to system integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks. The vulnerability also impacts system availability, as attackers can cause service disruption through denial of service attacks that corrupt process memory or cause crashes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2000-0574 should focus on immediate patching of affected ftp server implementations, as the vulnerability has been addressed through software updates from the respective vendors. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable ftp services to untrusted networks, while also deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Input validation measures should be implemented to sanitize all user-supplied data before it reaches the setproctitle function, ensuring that format string arguments are properly escaped or filtered. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining instances of vulnerable ftpd implementations within the network infrastructure. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing process isolation techniques and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The remediation approach should align with established security frameworks such as those recommended in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and should incorporate lessons learned from the ATT&CK framework's methodology for identifying and mitigating process manipulation vulnerabilities.