CVE-2005-3296 in FTP server
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP server in HP-UX 10.20, B.11.00, and B.11.11, allows remote attackers to list arbitrary directories as root by running the LIST command before logging in.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3296 represents a critical authorization flaw in the FTP server implementation of several HP-UX operating system versions including 10.20, B.11.00, and B.11.11. This issue stems from improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthenticated users to execute directory listing operations with elevated privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when attackers submit a LIST command prior to establishing an authenticated session, enabling them to traverse the file system as if they possessed root-level permissions.
This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and more specifically maps to CWE-285, which deals with insufficient authorization. The technical implementation flaw occurs at the authentication handshake level where the FTP server fails to properly validate the session state before executing directory listing operations. The system processes the LIST command without verifying whether the user has established proper credentials, creating an unauthorized access path that bypasses normal security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with comprehensive directory traversal capabilities without requiring valid login credentials. Remote adversaries can enumerate entire file system structures, potentially discovering sensitive files, configuration data, and system artifacts that would normally be restricted to authorized users. This reconnaissance capability enables attackers to map the target system's file structure and identify potential attack vectors or valuable targets for further exploitation. The vulnerability essentially grants root-level directory listing permissions to any remote user who can connect to the FTP service, creating an information disclosure risk that significantly undermines system security.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file discovery activities. Attackers leveraging this flaw can systematically explore the file system to identify sensitive data, configuration files, or system binaries that might contain additional vulnerabilities. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the discovered file structures may reveal system architecture details, application configurations, or other artifacts that facilitate subsequent attacks. Organizations running affected HP-UX versions face significant risk of unauthorized system reconnaissance and potential data exfiltration.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected HP-UX systems with the appropriate security updates provided by Hewlett-Packard. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to restrict FTP service access to trusted networks and consider disabling FTP services entirely if they are not essential for business operations. Additional protective measures include implementing strict firewall rules that limit access to FTP ports, monitoring FTP access logs for suspicious LIST commands, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar authorization flaws in other network services. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper session state validation and access control implementation in network services, particularly those handling user authentication and file system operations.