CVE-2005-0312 in WarFTPD
Summary
by MITRE
WarFTPD 1.82 RC9, when running as an NT service, allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (access violation) via a CWD command with a crafted pathname, as demonstrated using a large string of "%s" sequences, possibly indicating a format string vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0312 affects WarFTPD version 1.82 RC9 when operating as a Windows NT service, presenting a significant security risk that could be exploited by authenticated remote attackers. This flaw manifests through a specific command sequence involving the CWD (Change Working Directory) command with a specially crafted pathname containing an excessive number of "%s" format specifiers. The vulnerability represents a classic format string vulnerability that can be leveraged to trigger an access violation within the FTP service process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling within the WarFTPD service's directory change functionality. When an authenticated user submits a CWD command with a crafted pathname containing a large string of "%s" sequences, the service fails to properly sanitize this input before processing it through a vulnerable printf-style function. This lack of proper input validation creates an exploitable condition where the format string specifiers can be interpreted by the underlying printf function, leading to memory corruption and ultimately an access violation that terminates the service process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the overall availability of the FTP service. Since the vulnerability requires only authenticated access, it represents a significant risk in environments where FTP services are exposed to untrusted users or where credential compromise is possible through other attack vectors. The denial of service condition can be reliably triggered by any authenticated user, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where FTP services are critical for business operations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings inappropriately, and demonstrates how improper input handling can lead to arbitrary code execution or service termination. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this represents a privilege escalation and denial of service technique that can be used to disrupt services and potentially create opportunities for further exploitation. The vulnerability also maps to the broader category of software vulnerabilities related to improper input validation and memory handling, which are consistently ranked among the top cybersecurity risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0312 should include immediate patching of the WarFTPD service to a version that properly handles format string vulnerabilities in the CWD command processing. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to FTP services, enforce strong authentication mechanisms, and monitor for suspicious CWD command usage patterns. Additionally, system administrators should consider disabling the NT service mode if it is not required, as this particular vulnerability specifically affects the service implementation rather than the standalone executable version. Regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to identify similar format string vulnerabilities in other applications and services within the network infrastructure.