CVE-2001-0770 in GuildFTPd
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in GuildFTPd Server 0.97 allows remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a long SITE command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0770 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within GuildFTPd Server version 0.97 that exposes remote attackers to potential code execution capabilities. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the server's handling of SITE commands, which are typically used for extended ftp operations such as site-specific administrative functions. The buffer overflow occurs when the server receives a specially crafted SITE command containing excessive data that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition where the GuildFTPd server fails to properly bounds-check the length of data received in SITE command parameters. When an attacker submits a long SITE command, the server's processing routine does not validate the input length against the allocated buffer size, leading to memory overwrite conditions that can overwrite return addresses and other critical program execution data. This flaw aligns with CWE-121 which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability specifically affects the server's command processing loop where SITE commands are parsed and handled without adequate input sanitization measures.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on GuildFTPd Server 0.97 as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution privileges without requiring authentication. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no prior access credentials and can be executed from any network location capable of reaching the ftp server. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish persistent access to the network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise as attackers could leverage this foothold to conduct lateral movement within the network or launch additional attacks against other systems.
The remediation approach for CVE-2001-0770 requires immediate implementation of the vendor-provided security patch or upgrade to a newer version of GuildFTPd Server that addresses the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network-level mitigations such as firewall rules that restrict access to ftp services to trusted networks only, and consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SITE command patterns. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities within legacy ftp server implementations. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of input validation practices and proper memory management in network services, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter where adversaries may leverage code execution capabilities to establish persistent access. System administrators should also consider migrating to more modern ftp server implementations that have better security track records and regular security updates to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.