CVE-2005-2373 in SlimFTPd
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in SlimFTPd 3.15 and 3.16 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a long directory name to (1) LIST, (2) DELE or (3) RNFR commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2373 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in SlimFTPd versions 3.15 and 3.16 that exposes remote authenticated users to arbitrary code execution capabilities. This vulnerability specifically targets the file transfer protocol server implementation where improper input validation occurs during processing of directory operations. The flaw manifests when authenticated users submit excessively long directory names to three distinct FTP commands: LIST for directory listing, DELE for file deletion, and RNFR for renaming operations. The buffer overflow condition arises from insufficient bounds checking in the server's handling of user-supplied directory path data, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors with valid FTP credentials.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw operates by overflowing a fixed-size buffer when processing directory names, potentially corrupting stack frames or executable code segments within the SlimFTPd process memory space. The attack requires only authenticated access to the FTP service, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who have legitimate access to the system but could leverage this vulnerability for privilege escalation or persistent access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potentially allow attackers to gain complete control over the FTP server process and underlying system resources.
The operational implications of CVE-2005-2373 are significant for organizations relying on SlimFTPd for file transfer operations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the FTP service account, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed FTP server software means that numerous organizations could be at risk, particularly those with less frequent security updates or limited security monitoring. The exploitation process involves crafting specially formatted directory names that exceed the buffer capacity, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to redirect program execution flow. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management in network services, as even authenticated access can be weaponized when proper security controls are absent.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patching or upgrading to versions of SlimFTPd that address this buffer overflow vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include implementing network segmentation to limit FTP service access, enforcing strict access controls for FTP accounts, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious FTP activity patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing application-level firewalls or proxy services to provide additional protection layers between FTP services and potential attackers. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes, particularly for legacy network services that may not receive ongoing security updates. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through command injection, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both network-level and application-level security controls.