CVE-2005-0690 in FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
gene6 ftp server does not properly restrict access to the control console which allows local users to modify the server configuration and gain privileges as demonstrated by defining a site command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2017
The CVE-2005-0690 vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw in the gene6 ftp server implementation that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected systems. This vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization mechanisms within the server's control console, creating a pathway for local attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and gain elevated privileges. The flaw specifically affects the server's handling of administrative console access, where proper validation and permission checks are either absent or inadequately implemented, allowing unauthorized local users to manipulate core server configurations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and demonstrates how inadequate privilege management can lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability manifests when local users exploit the lack of proper authentication checks for the control console interface, enabling them to execute administrative commands directly. This includes the ability to define custom site commands that can be leveraged to modify server behavior, inject malicious code, or alter critical configuration parameters that govern how the ftp server operates and interacts with network resources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that local adversaries can exploit to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized control over the ftp server. The ability to define site commands represents a particularly dangerous capability since these commands can be crafted to execute arbitrary code or modify server settings in ways that could facilitate further attacks. This vulnerability effectively transforms a local user account into a potential administrator-level threat, undermining the fundamental security model that separates user access from administrative control. The impact extends beyond simple configuration changes as attackers can use this access to establish persistent backdoors, modify access controls, or redirect server functionality to serve malicious purposes.
The exploitation of CVE-2005-0690 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish a foothold within the system and then use the elevated privileges to maintain access, install additional malicious software, or conduct reconnaissance activities. The vulnerability also intersects with defense evasion techniques since the modified server configuration can be used to hide malicious activities from standard monitoring tools. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor patches, restricting local user access to administrative interfaces, and implementing proper access controls that enforce the principle of least privilege. Additionally, regular security auditing of ftp server configurations and monitoring for unauthorized command executions can help detect exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential compromise.