CVE-2006-6576 in Golden FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Golden FTP Server (goldenftpd) 1.92 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long PASS command. NOTE: it was later reported that 4.70 is also affected. NOTE: the USER vector is already covered by CVE-2005-0634.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-6576 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Golden FTP Server version 1.92 that exposes remote attackers to significant security risks. This flaw specifically manifests when the server processes a lengthy PASS command, which is part of the standard FTP protocol used for user authentication. The vulnerability affects not only version 1.92 but also version 4.70 according to subsequent reports, indicating a widespread issue within the Golden FTP Server product line. The technical nature of this vulnerability places it firmly within the category of memory corruption flaws that can lead to unpredictable system behavior and potential exploitation.
The heap-based buffer overflow occurs when the Golden FTP Server fails to properly validate the length of the PASS command parameter before processing it. When an attacker sends a specially crafted PASS command containing excessive data, the server's memory management routines overflow the allocated buffer space in the heap memory region. This memory corruption can result in application crashes that constitute a denial of service condition, effectively preventing legitimate users from accessing the FTP service. However, the severity increases significantly as this vulnerability may also allow remote code execution, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass potential complete system compromise. Attackers exploiting this flaw could execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Golden FTP Server process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. This presents a substantial risk to organizations relying on FTP services for file transfers and data management. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local access or credentials to launch attacks, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible FTP servers. The fact that both versions 1.92 and 4.70 are affected suggests that the underlying memory management flaw persisted across multiple releases, indicating poor code quality control or inadequate security testing during development.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where it maps to techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of unsafe memory operations in network services. Organizations must implement immediate mitigations including applying vendor patches, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for suspicious FTP traffic patterns. Additionally, system administrators should consider disabling unnecessary FTP services, implementing intrusion detection systems, and establishing robust patch management processes to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other network services.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of secure coding practices in network services and the necessity of thorough security testing before deployment. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly simple authentication mechanisms can become attack vectors when proper input validation and memory management are not implemented. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions also emphasizes the need for comprehensive security assessments and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to protect against known exploits. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their network infrastructure to identify and remediate similar issues that could compromise their security posture.