CVE-2004-2074 in Dream FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in Dream FTP 1.02 allows local users to cause a denial of service (crash) via format string specifiers in the (1) PASS or (2) RETR commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2074 represents a critical format string flaw within Dream FTP Server version 1.02 that exposes the system to potential denial of service attacks. This issue specifically affects the server's handling of authentication and file retrieval commands, creating a pathway for local attackers to exploit the software's improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when the server processes user-supplied data without adequate sanitization, particularly in the PASS and RETR command handlers where format string specifiers can be injected to manipulate the server's execution flow.
This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings in a manner that allows arbitrary code execution or system instability. The technical implementation flaw occurs when the ftp server's string formatting functions receive untrusted input directly from client commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. When local users submit maliciously crafted format specifiers within the PASS authentication command or RETR file retrieval command, the server's internal string processing routines interpret these specifiers as formatting directives rather than literal data, leading to unpredictable memory access patterns and ultimately system crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can be leveraged to cause complete system instability within the Dream FTP environment. Local attackers who have access to the system can exploit this weakness to crash the ftp server process, forcing administrators to restart services and potentially losing ongoing connections. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as local access is sufficient to craft the malicious commands that trigger the format string behavior. This makes the attack surface broader than many other ftp server vulnerabilities that require network access or specific authentication credentials.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network disruption through service availability attacks. The exploitation process involves the attacker crafting specific command sequences that cause the server to behave unpredictably, effectively creating a denial of service condition. Organizations running Dream FTP Server 1.02 should immediately implement mitigation strategies including patching to the latest available version, implementing input validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious command sequences that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local user privileges and reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters.
The broader implications of this vulnerability demonstrate the importance of proper input validation in server applications and highlight how seemingly minor implementation flaws can result in significant security consequences. This particular issue serves as a reminder that even legacy ftp server implementations require careful security review and regular updates to address known vulnerabilities that may have been overlooked during initial development phases. The lack of proper format string handling in this server implementation represents a fundamental security oversight that could have been prevented through adherence to secure coding practices and comprehensive security testing protocols.