CVE-2004-1948 in NcFTP
Summary
by MITRE
NcFTP client 3.1.6 and 3.1.7, when the username and password are included in an FTP URL that is provided on the command line, allows local users to obtain sensitive information via "ps aux," which displays the URL in the process list.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1948 affects the NcFTP client versions 3.1.6 and 3.1.7, representing a classic information disclosure issue that exploits how command-line arguments are handled during process execution. This flaw demonstrates a fundamental security oversight in how the client processes authentication credentials when they are embedded within FTP URLs passed as command-line parameters. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users provide FTP connection details including usernames and passwords directly within the URL string, a common practice for automated scripting and batch operations.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability stems from the process enumeration behavior of Unix-like operating systems where command-line arguments are visible in the process list through tools such as ps aux. When NcFTP client executes with a URL containing credentials, these sensitive components remain exposed in the process table, making them accessible to any local user with appropriate privileges to execute process monitoring commands. This exposure occurs because the client does not sanitize or remove the credential information from the command-line arguments before process execution, creating an information disclosure vector that violates fundamental security principles of credential handling and process isolation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with readily accessible authentication data that can be leveraged for unauthorized access to FTP servers. Local users who can execute ps aux or similar process monitoring tools gain immediate access to usernames and passwords, potentially enabling them to access multiple systems if the same credentials are reused across different services. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where automated scripts or batch processing tasks utilize NcFTP clients, as these scenarios often involve command-line execution with embedded credentials, creating persistent exposure windows. The risk is compounded when considering that many such environments may not implement proper access controls or monitoring to detect unauthorized process enumeration activities.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper handling of sensitive data in process parameters. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Unsecured Credentials," as it demonstrates how credential information can be exposed through process enumeration techniques. Organizations utilizing affected NcFTP versions face significant risk in environments where local privilege escalation is possible, as attackers could leverage this information to escalate their access and compromise additional systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure credential handling practices and proper input sanitization in command-line applications. Mitigation strategies should include updating to patched versions of NcFTP client, implementing proper credential management practices such as using separate authentication files, and deploying monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized process enumeration activities. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing discretionary access controls and process monitoring to prevent unauthorized users from accessing process information that may contain sensitive data.