CVE-2001-0293 in FtpXQ
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in FtpXQ FTP server 2.0.93 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the GET command.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2025
The CVE-2001-0293 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the FtpXQ FTP server version 2.0.93 that fundamentally compromises file system security boundaries. This vulnerability operates through a simple yet devastating mechanism where remote attackers can exploit the GET command to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path sanitization within the FTP server's file retrieval functionality, allowing malicious users to manipulate file paths using the .. (dot dot) sequence that is universally recognized for traversing directory hierarchies.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. When an attacker submits a GET command containing .. sequences, the FTP server fails to properly validate or sanitize the input path, enabling the attacker to move up directory levels and access files that should remain restricted. This flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal file access controls and potentially gain access to sensitive system files, configuration data, user credentials, or other confidential information stored on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it a high-impact issue for any system running the vulnerable FTP server version.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations relying on the FtpXQ FTP server for file transfers and data access. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive information from the server, potentially including database files, configuration settings, application source code, or user account details. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers may also use this access to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance against the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security principle of least privilege, as it allows unauthorized access to files that should be restricted to specific users or processes. Additionally, the attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects any file accessible through the FTP server's GET command, potentially exposing critical system components or user data repositories.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2001-0293 involves immediate patching of the FtpXQ FTP server to a version that properly validates and sanitizes file paths before processing GET commands. Organizations should implement proper input validation mechanisms that reject or normalize path sequences containing .. components, ensuring that all file access operations remain within designated directories. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide additional defense in depth by limiting direct access to FTP services from untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual FTP access patterns or attempts to access system files through GET commands. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly in network services that handle user input, and demonstrates the critical need for regular security assessments of legacy software systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage and T1005 for data from local system, emphasizing the need for both network-level and host-based security controls to prevent exploitation.