CVE-2005-1480 in RaidenFTPD
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in RaidenFTPD before 2.4.2241 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a "..\\" (dot dot backslash) in the urlget site command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1480 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the RaidenFTPD FTP server software version 2.4.2241 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the urlget site command implementation, which fails to properly validate and sanitize user input before processing file requests. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that permit attackers to manipulate file access paths through the use of "..\" sequences, effectively bypassing normal file system access controls and directory restrictions. This flaw exists at the application layer within the FTP protocol implementation and demonstrates a classic lack of proper path normalization and input sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends a specially crafted urlget command containing directory traversal sequences using the "..\" pattern. The RaidenFTPD server processes these sequences without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to navigate upward through the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows arbitrary file reading, potentially exposing sensitive system files, configuration data, and user information that should not be accessible through the FTP service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for further system compromise. Successful exploitation could lead to information disclosure of system configuration files, user credentials stored in accessible locations, application source code, and other sensitive data that may contain additional attack vectors. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on older versions of RaidenFTPD, which may have been deployed in environments where proper security controls and network segmentation are not in place. This creates a significant risk for organizations where the FTP server serves as an entry point for broader network reconnaissance and lateral movement activities, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and potentially T1083 for file and directory discovery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the RaidenFTPD software to version 2.4.2241 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to FTP services, deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious urlget command patterns, and conduct thorough file system audits to identify any potential unauthorized access that may have occurred. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at all application layers, including the use of allowlists for file access requests and proper path normalization techniques, would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other applications. Security monitoring should include detection of "..\" sequences in FTP command inputs and implementation of automated alerts for suspicious file access patterns to prevent exploitation of similar directory traversal vulnerabilities.