CVE-2006-5947 in Conxint FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Conxint FTP Server 2.2.0603, and possibly earlier, allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files and list arbitrary directories via directory traversal sequences in (1) DIR (LIST or NLST) and (2) GET (RETR) commands. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; details are obtained from third party sources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/27/2026
The CVE-2006-5947 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Conxint FTP Server version 2.2.0603 and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the server's handling of file system operations, specifically impacting the DIR (LIST or NLST) and GET (RETR) commands that are fundamental to ftp protocol functionality. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate directory traversal sequences that bypass normal file system access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files or directories. Directory traversal vulnerabilities of this nature are particularly dangerous because they can be exploited without authentication and can provide attackers with extensive information about the target system's file structure and potentially sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the server's failure to properly sanitize user input when processing directory listing and file retrieval requests. When an attacker sends specially crafted directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar patterns within the DIR or GET commands, the server processes these sequences without proper validation, allowing access to files outside the intended directory scope. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the server's file system access control mechanisms. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a well-documented weakness in software security practices. The attack vector is remote and requires no prior authentication, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to explore system configurations and extract sensitive information.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-5947 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise through the exposure of critical system files, configuration data, and potentially user credentials stored in accessible locations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform reconnaissance activities, identify system vulnerabilities, and gather intelligence about the target environment. The ability to list arbitrary directories provides attackers with detailed information about system structure and file organization, which can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks. Additionally, the vulnerability can be combined with other attack vectors to escalate privileges or access restricted resources. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can use the information gathered to craft more targeted attacks. The exposure of system files through directory traversal can also lead to further exploitation opportunities, including the potential to discover backup files, configuration files containing passwords, or system logs that may contain sensitive information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-5947 should prioritize immediate patching of the Conxint FTP Server to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to FTP services, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Input validation controls should be implemented at the application level to sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly when handling directory traversal sequences. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious FTP traffic patterns and directory traversal attempts. System administrators should also conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other services. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper access controls and input validation as fundamental security measures. Organizations should also consider migrating to more secure file transfer protocols such as SFTP or FTPS that provide encryption and better access control mechanisms. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems and security information event management solutions can help detect exploitation attempts and provide early warning of potential attacks targeting this vulnerability. Regular security training for system administrators should emphasize the importance of keeping software updated and understanding common attack patterns such as directory traversal exploits that can be used to compromise system integrity and confidentiality.