CVE-2006-2180 in Golden FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in Golden FTP Server Pro 2.70 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the (1) NLST or (2) APPE commands, as demonstrated by the Infigo FTPStress Fuzzer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2180 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Golden FTP Server Pro version 2.70 that exposes the application to remote exploitation. This vulnerability specifically affects two fundamental file transfer protocol commands: NLST (Name List) and APPE (Append). The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the server's handling of user-supplied arguments, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory structures through carefully crafted command parameters.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. When remote attackers send overly long arguments to either the NLST or APPE commands, the server fails to properly validate the input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers. This oversight enables attackers to overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical memory structures within the application's execution context. The Infigo FTPStress Fuzzer demonstrates how this vulnerability can be systematically exploited by crafting specific payloads that exceed buffer capacity, triggering the overflow condition.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to encompass full arbitrary code execution capabilities. When successful, the buffer overflow allows remote attackers to manipulate the program's execution flow, potentially enabling them to inject and execute malicious code with the privileges of the running FTP server process. This represents a severe security compromise that could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects systems running Golden FTP Server Pro 2.70, making it particularly concerning for organizations relying on this specific FTP server implementation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches or version upgrades to eliminate the buffer overflow conditions. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to trusted networks only, while monitoring for suspicious FTP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution, highlighting the need for comprehensive network monitoring and intrusion detection systems. Additionally, implementing input validation controls at network boundaries and conducting regular security assessments of FTP server configurations can help prevent successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in network services, particularly those handling user-supplied data through protocol commands.