CVE-2001-1213 in FtpXQ
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of DataWizard FtpXQ 2.0 and 2.1 includes a default username and password, which allows remote attackers to read and write arbitrary files in the root folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1213 represents a critical security flaw in DataWizard FtpXQ versions 2.0 and 2.1, where the software ships with hard-coded default authentication credentials. This weakness falls under the category of weak authentication mechanisms and specifically aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software implementations. The default configuration exposes the system to immediate unauthorized access, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit without requiring any specialized knowledge or tools beyond basic network connectivity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's failure to enforce proper authentication mechanisms during installation or configuration phases. When DataWizard FtpXQ is installed with its default settings, it automatically creates a user account with a well-known username and password combination that remains unchanged throughout the system's lifecycle. This design flaw allows any remote attacker who can establish network communication with the FTP service to gain immediate administrative access to the system's root directory. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access as the attacker can both read and write arbitrary files, effectively providing complete control over the affected system's file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, file modification, and system compromise. The ability to write arbitrary files in the root folder creates opportunities for privilege escalation, backdoor installation, and persistent access to the compromised system. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability represents a low-hanging fruit that requires minimal effort to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where systems are not properly secured or monitored. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security hygiene in software development practices, where vendors fail to implement secure default configurations that would prevent unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through configuration changes and long-term security improvements. System administrators must first change the default username and password credentials immediately upon discovering the vulnerability, ensuring that any hardcoded credentials are replaced with strong, unique authentication mechanisms. The implementation of network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to the FTP service can provide additional layers of protection. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential access through default credentials. Organizations should also implement regular security audits to identify and remediate similar hardcoded credentials across their infrastructure, as this represents a common pattern in legacy software systems that may contain similar security flaws. The vulnerability underscores the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and secure configuration management, which are fundamental to maintaining robust cybersecurity postures.