CVE-2001-1193 in EFTP
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in EFTP 2.0.8.346 allows local users to read directories via a ... (modified dot dot) in the CWD command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1193 represents a directory traversal flaw within EFTP version 2.0.8.346, a file transfer protocol implementation that operates with local system privileges. This weakness specifically manifests in the handling of the CWD command, which is used to change the working directory within the file transfer session. The flaw enables malicious local users to bypass normal directory access controls and gain unauthorized access to restricted file system locations through the exploitation of path traversal techniques.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the EFTP application's command processing logic. When the CWD command receives a path string containing the modified dot dot sequence, the application fails to properly sanitize or normalize the path before attempting to resolve it within the file system. This allows attackers to construct malicious path references that can traverse upward through directory hierarchies, effectively accessing directories and files that should remain protected from local user access. The vulnerability operates at the application level rather than the network protocol level, making it particularly concerning for local privilege escalation scenarios.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for systems running EFTP 2.0.8.346, as local users who may not possess elevated privileges can potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information that should remain isolated. The attack vector requires local system access, but once exploited, it can provide attackers with access to system directories that may contain valuable information for further exploitation or lateral movement within the network environment. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by users who already have legitimate access to the system but lack proper authorization to access certain directories.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This classification indicates that the flaw involves insufficient validation of file system path inputs, allowing attackers to manipulate directory navigation commands to access unauthorized locations. The attack pattern corresponds to the MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves command and scripting interpreters, as the exploitation may involve manipulating command sequences to achieve unauthorized access. Organizations should implement proper input validation and path normalization techniques to prevent such attacks, ensuring that all user-supplied path information is properly sanitized before being processed by file system operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-1193 should focus on immediate patching of the EFTP application to the latest available version that addresses this specific directory traversal vulnerability. System administrators should also implement strict access controls and privilege separation to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that local users have the minimal necessary permissions to perform their legitimate functions. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual file access patterns that may indicate directory traversal attempts, and regular security audits should verify that path validation mechanisms are properly implemented throughout the application. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in file system operations and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all path handling functions within applications.