CVE-2001-0295 in WarFTPd
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in War FTP 1.67.04 allows remote attackers to list directory contents and possibly read files via a "dir *./../.." command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0295 represents a classic directory traversal flaw that existed in War FTP 1.67.04, a widely used file transfer protocol server implementation from the early 2000s. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the FTP server fails to properly validate or sanitize user input, particularly in directory listing commands, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file system paths through crafted commands.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted "dir *./../.." command to the FTP server. This command sequence exploits the server's insufficient input validation by using relative path references that traverse up the directory hierarchy. The asterisk wildcard character combined with the ../ path traversal components allows the attacker to bypass normal directory access controls and potentially enumerate directory contents beyond the intended scope. The vulnerability specifically targets the directory listing functionality of the FTP server, making it particularly dangerous for attackers seeking to discover sensitive files or directory structures on the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can not only list directory contents but may also potentially read files from restricted directories, depending on the server's implementation and the attacker's access level. This reconnaissance capability enables more sophisticated attacks, including the discovery of sensitive configuration files, user credentials, or other valuable data that might be stored in accessible locations. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to map the file system structure of the target server, providing crucial intelligence for subsequent exploitation phases.
The attack vector for this vulnerability demonstrates how simple input validation failures can create significant security risks in network services. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and reconnaissance, as attackers can use this flaw to gather information about the target environment. The fact that this vulnerability existed in a widely deployed FTP server implementation from 2001 highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and the long-lasting impact of inadequate security controls in network services. Organizations running legacy FTP servers should implement proper path validation mechanisms, restrict directory traversal commands, and ensure that file system access is properly restricted based on user permissions. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of regular security updates and the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies to prevent attackers from escalating privileges through simple path traversal techniques.