CVE-2002-1054 in FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Pablo FTP server 1.0 build 9 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to list arbitrary directories via "..\" (dot-dot backslash) sences in a LIST command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The CVE-2002-1054 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Pablo FTP server version 1.0 build 9 and earlier implementations. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the server's handling of LIST commands, specifically when processing directory navigation sequences. The vulnerability occurs when authenticated users exploit the server's failure to properly sanitize path traversal sequences, allowing them to access files and directories outside their intended scope.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the manipulation of directory traversal sequences using the "..\" pattern, which is a common technique in file system traversal attacks. When a user issues a LIST command containing these sequences, the server fails to properly resolve the paths, enabling attackers to enumerate directory contents beyond their authorized access boundaries. This flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the FTP protocol implementation's path resolution logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to arbitrary directory structures on the affected server. An authenticated attacker can leverage this weakness to gain insights into the server's file system organization, potentially identifying sensitive files, configuration data, or other system resources that should remain protected. This reconnaissance capability can serve as a foundation for further exploitation attempts, including privilege escalation or data exfiltration.
Security professionals should note that this 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. The attack pattern corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1083 discovery technique, where adversaries attempt to gather information about the file system and directory structures. Organizations implementing FTP services must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where legacy FTP implementations are still in use.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected Pablo FTP server versions, implementing proper input validation for all path-related commands, and establishing robust access controls for FTP services. Network segmentation and monitoring of FTP traffic can help detect anomalous LIST command sequences. Additionally, organizations should consider migrating to more secure FTP implementations or modern protocols such as SFTP or FTPS that provide better built-in protection against such traversal attacks. Regular security assessments of file transfer services remain essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems.