CVE-2005-2727 in Home Ftp Server
Summary
by MITRE
Home Ftp Server 1.0.7 stores sensitive user information and server information in the same directory as the user s home directory, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information by obtaining ftpmembers.lst and ftpsettings.lst.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2727 affects Home Ftp Server version 1.0.7, presenting a critical information disclosure flaw that stems from improper configuration of sensitive data storage. This vulnerability resides in the server's directory structure where user-specific information and server configuration files are stored in the same location as individual user home directories. The flaw creates an insecure storage practice that violates fundamental security principles of data separation and access control, allowing authenticated remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper file access controls and directory permissions within the Home Ftp Server software. When users authenticate to the FTP service, they maintain access to the directory structure where both their personal data and critical server configuration files reside. The ftpmembers.lst file contains user account information including usernames and potentially hashed passwords, while the ftpsettings.lst file holds server configuration parameters that may include administrative credentials, network settings, and other sensitive operational data. This design flaw represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference and improper access control, aligning with CWE-284 which addresses inadequate access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential pathways for further exploitation and system compromise. An authenticated attacker who can access the ftpmembers.lst file gains knowledge of valid user accounts and potentially password hashes, which could facilitate account takeover attempts or password cracking operations. The ftpsettings.lst file exposure may reveal server configuration details that could be leveraged for additional attacks, including network topology information, administrative access credentials, and other sensitive operational parameters. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and violates the security principle of data separation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share the same FTP server instance.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate directory structure reconfiguration and access control implementation. System administrators must relocate sensitive configuration files to protected directories with restricted access permissions, ensuring that user home directories contain only user-specific data and that server configuration files are stored separately with appropriate access controls. The recommended approach involves implementing proper file system permissions, utilizing access control lists, and establishing dedicated secure storage areas for sensitive information. Additionally, regular security audits should verify that no sensitive data is stored in user-accessible directories, and that all configuration files are properly secured. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which addresses credential access through information discovery methods. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files and establish regular patch management processes to address similar vulnerabilities in legacy systems.