CVE-2005-2142 in Golden FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Golden FTP Server 2.60 allows remote authenticated attackers to list arbitrary directories via a "\.." (backslash dot dot) in an LS (LIST) command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2142 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Golden FTP Server version 2.60 implementation. This security weakness specifically affects the LIST command functionality, which is fundamental to file transfer protocol operations where clients request directory listings from servers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the server's handling of path traversal sequences, allowing maliciously crafted commands to bypass normal directory access restrictions. When an authenticated user submits a LIST command containing the "\.." sequence, the server fails to properly sanitize this input, enabling attackers to navigate to arbitrary directories beyond their intended access scope.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates at the application layer within the FTP protocol implementation, specifically targeting the directory listing mechanism that should only expose files and directories within the user's authorized access boundaries. The flaw manifests as a failure in path normalization and validation logic, where the server does not adequately process or reject the backslash dot dot sequences that represent parent directory navigation. This allows attackers to construct malicious LIST requests that traverse up the directory tree, potentially accessing sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources that should remain hidden from unauthorized users. The vulnerability is authenticated, meaning that attackers must first establish valid credentials to exploit the flaw, but once exploited, the impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to full directory traversal capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to enumerate and potentially access any directory path that the FTP service has access to. This could lead to exposure of sensitive configuration files, system binaries, user data, or even system-level information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that remains active as long as the vulnerable version of Golden FTP Server is operational, potentially allowing attackers to map entire directory structures and identify valuable targets for additional attacks. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader reconnaissance effort that could lead to more serious compromises, as directory traversal often serves as a precursor to privilege escalation or data exfiltration operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to versions that properly address the directory traversal flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit FTP service exposure, particularly for systems running vulnerable versions. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious LIST command patterns and implementing proper input validation at the application level can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can create severe security implications. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory traversal and enumeration activities, making it a valuable tool for reconnaissance and lateral movement within compromised environments. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input sanitization and access control implementation in network services, particularly those handling file system operations.