CVE-2004-1679 in twinftp
Summary
by MITRE
directory traversal vulnerability in twinftp 1.0.3 r2 allows remote attackers create arbitrary files via a .../ (triple dot) in the (1) cwd (2) stor or (3) retr commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2019
The CVE-2004-1679 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in twinftp server version 1.0.3 r2 that enables remote attackers to manipulate file system operations through specially crafted commands. This vulnerability specifically affects three core FTP commands: cwd (change working directory), stor (store file), and retr (retrieve file) by exploiting the triple dot sequence .../ that can bypass normal path validation mechanisms. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and path resolution logic within the FTP server implementation, allowing attackers to traverse directory structures beyond the intended file system boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends malicious commands containing the .../ sequence to the FTP server, which then interprets these sequences in a way that allows file creation or access outside the designated directory structure. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the server's path normalization and validation processes, where the triple dot sequence is not properly filtered or resolved to prevent unauthorized access to the file system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to organizations relying on twinftp server implementations, as it allows remote attackers to create arbitrary files on the server, potentially leading to unauthorized data modification, information disclosure, or even system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple file access, as attackers could potentially create malicious files that could be executed or used to establish persistent access to the system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential access through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. The remote nature of the attack means that no local access or authentication is required, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible FTP servers.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of twinftp server, implementing strict input validation on all FTP commands, and deploying network segmentation to limit exposure of FTP services. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious .../ sequences in FTP traffic, and establish proper file system permissions to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and path handling in network services, and serves as a reminder of the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments in legacy systems that may contain such fundamental flaws.