CVE-2002-2238 in ODBC FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Kunani ODBC FTP Server 1.0.10 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a "..\" (dot dot backslash) in a GET request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2025
The CVE-2002-2238 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the Kunani ODBC FTP Server version 1.0.10 that exposes sensitive system files to remote attackers through malformed GET requests. This vulnerability falls under the category of path traversal attacks where malicious actors exploit improper input validation to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access unauthorized files. The specific exploitation mechanism involves appending "..\" sequences to file requests, which allows attackers to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve content from arbitrary locations on the server filesystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input in the FTP server's file handling routines, creating a direct path to system resources that should remain protected from external access.
This directory traversal vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The attack vector operates at the application layer where the FTP server fails to properly validate and sanitize the file paths submitted by clients, allowing the "..\" sequences to be interpreted as legitimate navigation commands rather than malicious input. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and access control enforcement within the server's file system interaction mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access configuration files, system logs, user credentials, and other sensitive data that may be stored in directories accessible through the FTP service. The severity of this vulnerability is amplified by the fact that it requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where FTP services are exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-2238 extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with potential footholds for further system compromise and data exfiltration. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can potentially access critical system files including password hashes, database connection strings, and application configuration details that could facilitate additional attacks. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges, establish persistent access, or conduct reconnaissance activities that could lead to complete system compromise. From a defensive standpoint, this vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and access control measures at all levels of network services. The attack pattern aligns with techniques documented in the attack tactics and techniques framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation through information discovery and reconnaissance activities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Kunani ODBC FTP Server to a version that properly validates file paths and prevents directory traversal attacks. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of FTP services to untrusted networks and deploy web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. Input validation controls should be strengthened to reject any requests containing "..\" sequences or other directory traversal patterns, while access controls should be enforced to ensure that users can only access files within designated directories. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and attempts to access system-level files through FTP services. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning to identify similar flaws in other network services that may be susceptible to the same class of attacks. Organizations should also consider migrating from legacy FTP implementations to more secure protocols such as SFTP or FTPS that provide better built-in security controls and encryption mechanisms.