CVE-2004-2089 in FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Matrix FTP Server allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) by logging in using four spaces as the username and password and then issuing a LIST command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2089 affects the Matrix FTP Server implementation, presenting a significant denial of service risk that can be exploited through a specific authentication pattern. This flaw demonstrates a critical weakness in the server's input validation and error handling mechanisms, particularly when processing malformed credentials. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-20 as "Improper Input Validation" and represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of user-provided data can lead to system instability and service disruption.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a specific sequence of actions that leverages a buffer overflow condition or memory corruption issue within the FTP server's authentication handling module. Attackers need only send four consecutive space characters as both username and password during the login process, followed by a LIST command to trigger the system crash. This particular attack vector exploits the server's failure to properly validate or sanitize input parameters, particularly when dealing with empty or whitespace-only credentials. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal effort to execute and can completely bring down the FTP service, making it an attractive target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially affecting business continuity and system availability. Organizations relying on Matrix FTP Server for file transfer operations face significant risk of unauthorized service interruption, which could result in data access delays, operational downtime, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where FTP services are critical for business operations, as it can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical skill to cause substantial disruption. The attack can be executed remotely without requiring any special privileges or authentication, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors and increasing the overall risk exposure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the FTP server implementation. System administrators should ensure that the Matrix FTP Server is updated with the latest security patches from the vendor, as this vulnerability was likely addressed through code modifications that properly validate authentication credentials. Network-level protections such as firewall rules and access control lists can help limit exposure by restricting access to the FTP service from unauthorized networks. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual login patterns or command sequences can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. Organizations should also consider implementing redundant FTP services or alternative file transfer protocols to reduce dependency on a single vulnerable service and maintain operational resilience against such attacks.