CVE-2001-1295 in Cerberus FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Cerberus FTP Server 1.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the CD command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1295 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Cerberus FTP Server versions 1.5 and earlier, classified under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. This weakness allows remote attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure through manipulation of the CD command with .. (dot dot) sequences. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path normalization within the FTP server's command processing mechanism, specifically affecting the change directory functionality that fails to properly sanitize user-supplied paths before executing file system operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a specially crafted CD command containing directory traversal sequences such as ..\..\\ or ../../../ to navigate outside the server's designated file system boundaries. The FTP server processes these commands without sufficient validation, allowing access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially system resources that should remain restricted to authorized users. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a fundamental failure in access control implementation, as the server fails to maintain proper boundaries between user-accessible directories and system-critical locations.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations relying on the affected FTP server implementation. Attackers can potentially access critical system files including password databases, configuration files, application source code, and other sensitive information that may lead to further compromise of the system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments where FTP services are exposed to the internet. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as access to system files may enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify configurations, or even establish persistent access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Cerberus FTP Server to version 2.0 or later where the directory traversal issue has been resolved through proper input validation and path sanitization. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of FTP services to trusted networks only, and consider deploying network intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious CD command patterns. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and restricting FTP service functionality to only necessary directories can significantly reduce the attack surface. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with various security standards including iso 27001, nist cybersecurity framework, and pci dss requirements for protecting sensitive data and maintaining proper access controls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through directory traversal, with potential for lateral movement within compromised networks once initial access is achieved.