CVE-2002-2353 in tftpd32
Summary
by MITRE
tftpd32 2.50 and 2.50.2 allows remote attackers to read or write arbitrary files via a full pathname in GET and PUT requests.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2353 affects tftpd32 versions 2.50 and 2.50.2, representing a critical security flaw in the Trivial File Transfer Protocol implementation. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path handling mechanisms within the tftpd32 server software, which processes GET and PUT requests from remote clients. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate file operations by providing full pathname references, thereby bypassing normal access controls and file system restrictions that should normally protect system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of file transfer requests where attackers can specify absolute paths instead of relative paths. When tftpd32 processes these requests, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the pathname components, enabling attackers to traverse the file system beyond intended directories. This improper handling creates a path traversal condition that allows arbitrary file read and write operations, effectively granting remote attackers unrestricted access to the underlying file system. The vulnerability specifically targets the GET and PUT command implementations, which are fundamental operations in TFTP protocol communication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to access sensitive system files, modify critical configuration data, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected system. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to read system files that should remain protected, including configuration files, log data, and potentially sensitive user information. The write capability allows for malicious modifications to system files, which could lead to system compromise, data corruption, or the installation of malicious payloads. This vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a direct path to the underlying file system, bypassing traditional network security controls and authentication mechanisms.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials in the context of remote access and system compromise. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of unauthorized data access and system manipulation. The impact extends beyond simple file access to include potential system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of service availability. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority issue requiring immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-2353 should focus on immediate software updates to versions that address the path traversal flaw in tftpd32. System administrators should implement strict input validation and sanitization for all file path operations, ensuring that absolute paths are rejected or properly validated against acceptable directories. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to TFTP services, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, monitoring and logging of file access operations should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other network services and applications. The remediation process must include thorough testing of updated software to ensure that security patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network infrastructure.