CVE-2005-0483 in Glftpd
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in sitenfo.sh, sitezipchk.sh, and siteziplist.sh in Glftpd 1.26 to 2.00 allow remote authenticated users to (1) determine the existence of arbitrary files, (2) list files in restricted directories, or (3) read arbitrary files from within ZIP or gzip files, via .. (dot dot) sequences and globbing ("*") characters in a SITE NFO command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0483 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Glftpd versions 1.26 through 2.00. This security weakness resides in three specific shell scripts sitenfo.sh, sitezipchk.sh, and siteziplist.sh that are part of the ftp server implementation. The vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers to exploit improper input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied paths containing directory traversal sequences. These scripts process SITE NFO commands without adequate sanitization of the .. (dot dot) sequences and globbing characters "*", which enables malicious users to manipulate file access patterns beyond intended boundaries. The flaw specifically targets the handling of file paths within compressed archive structures, creating opportunities for unauthorized information disclosure and file system enumeration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution logic within the Glftpd scripting environment. When users submit SITE NFO commands containing directory traversal sequences, the affected scripts fail to properly filter or normalize these paths before processing. This allows attackers to craft malicious inputs that bypass normal file access controls and traverse the file system hierarchy. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires authentication, meaning that only users with valid login credentials can exploit the flaw. The use of globbing characters "*" in conjunction with directory traversal sequences amplifies the attack surface by enabling pattern matching against multiple files simultaneously. This type of vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal attack pattern that aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Attackers can determine the existence of arbitrary files on the server filesystem, which provides reconnaissance capabilities for further exploitation attempts. The ability to list files in restricted directories undermines access control mechanisms and can expose sensitive system files, configuration data, or user information. Most critically, the capability to read arbitrary files from within ZIP or gzip archives allows attackers to extract confidential data from compressed archives without proper authorization. This vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the ftp server environment, potentially exposing source code, configuration files, or user data stored within compressed archives. The impact is particularly severe in environments where ftp servers contain sensitive organizational data or where multiple users have access to shared archive repositories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-0483 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Glftpd versions and implementation of proper input validation controls. The most effective solution involves updating to a patched version of Glftpd that properly sanitizes user inputs and validates file paths before processing. Administrators should implement strict input validation for all user-supplied data, particularly in commands that handle file paths or archive operations. The implementation of proper path normalization and canonicalization techniques can prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed as intended. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to one system, they cannot easily move laterally to other systems. Additionally, monitoring and logging of ftp commands should be implemented to detect suspicious activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through exploitation of vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should also include regular security assessments of ftp server configurations and input validation mechanisms to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.