CVE-2005-1371 in ftp server
Summary
by MITRE
bpftpserver service in bulletproof ftp server 2.4.0.31 does not properly drop privileges before opening files through the help menu which allows local users to gain privileges.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1371 resides within the bulletproof ftp server version 2.4.0.31 where the bpftpserver service fails to properly drop privileges before processing file operations through the help menu functionality. This represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that directly violates fundamental security principles governing service execution and access control. The issue manifests when the ftp server service operates with elevated privileges and subsequently processes user requests through the help menu interface without properly reducing its privilege level before accessing system files. This design flaw creates an exploitable condition where local users can leverage the service's elevated permissions to gain unauthorized access to restricted system resources and potentially execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than intended.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege management within the service's code execution flow. When a user interacts with the help menu functionality, the bpftpserver service does not perform the necessary privilege dropping operations that should occur before file access routines are executed. This failure creates a window where the service continues to operate with administrative or root privileges while processing file operations that should be performed under reduced privilege levels. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-250, which addresses "Execute Code with Unnecessary Privileges," and CWE-269, which covers "Improper Privilege Management." From an operational security perspective, this flaw represents a classic example of insufficient privilege separation that allows local attackers to escalate their access level without requiring external network connectivity or complex exploitation techniques.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Local users who can access the help menu functionality can exploit this flaw to read, modify, or execute files with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, or access sensitive data that would normally be protected from standard user accounts. The operational implications are significant as this vulnerability requires no specialized knowledge or network access to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is possible. The attack surface is limited to local users with access to the ftp service, but this access could be gained through various vectors including physical access, social engineering, or other initial compromise techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-1371 should focus on implementing proper privilege dropping mechanisms within the ftp server service. The primary remediation involves ensuring that the bpftpserver service properly drops privileges before processing any file access operations through the help menu or other interfaces. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and follows the ATT&CK framework's mitigation recommendations for privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should implement immediate patches or upgrades to bulletproof ftp server versions that address this privilege management flaw. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, file integrity monitoring, and privilege auditing to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and privilege reviews should be conducted to ensure that services properly implement privilege separation and do not maintain unnecessary elevated privileges during routine operations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and privilege management in service-oriented applications, particularly those that must operate with elevated privileges for legitimate system functions.