CVE-2004-1583 in Tridcomm
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the FTP server in TriDComm 1.3 and earlier allows remote attackers read or write arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in FTP commands such as (1) DIR, (2) GET, or (3) PUT.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2019
The directory traversal vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1583 affects the FTP server component within TriDComm versions 1.3 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper input validation in FTP commands, particularly those involving directory navigation operations. The flaw manifests when attackers utilize the .. (dot dot) sequence in commands such as DIR, GET, and PUT, allowing them to traverse beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files outside the designated FTP root directory. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input, permitting malicious path manipulation that bypasses normal access controls and file system restrictions.
From a technical perspective, 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. The flaw occurs at the protocol implementation level where FTP commands are processed without adequate validation of path components, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that resolve to arbitrary file locations on the server filesystem. The vulnerability affects multiple FTP operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited for both read and write operations, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this weakness to read sensitive configuration files, system binaries, or user data, and in some cases, write malicious content to compromise the system further.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, creating potential for significant data breaches and system compromise. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain access to critical system files, configuration data, or user information stored on the FTP server, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further attacks on the broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication for basic read operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where FTP services are exposed to untrusted networks. Additionally, the ability to perform write operations through PUT commands enables attackers to deploy malware, modify system files, or establish persistent access points within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1583 should prioritize immediate patching of affected TriDComm installations to version 1.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and path traversal prevention mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to FTP services, deploy firewall rules to restrict FTP access to trusted networks, and consider disabling unnecessary FTP operations to reduce attack surface. The implementation of proper input validation and canonicalization of file paths should be enforced throughout the application, following secure coding practices that align with the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST SP 800-53 security controls. Regular security assessments should include vulnerability scanning for path traversal weaknesses, and system administrators should monitor FTP logs for suspicious directory traversal attempts that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular file system audits can help detect unauthorized access patterns and mitigate the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.