CVE-2007-0338 in Dream FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Heap-based buffer overflow in Dream FTP Server allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a USER command with a large number of format string specifiers, which triggers the overflow during processing of the Server Log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0338 represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow in Dream FTP Server that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This flaw specifically manifests when the server processes a USER command containing an excessive number of format string specifiers, creating conditions that allow attackers to manipulate memory allocation and execution flow. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and affects the server's logging mechanism, where format string vulnerabilities typically occur when user input is directly processed without proper sanitization or bounds checking.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where insufficient input validation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations in the heap. When the Dream FTP Server processes the USER command with malformed format specifiers, the server's internal logging function fails to properly handle the input, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged to inject and execute malicious code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, heap-based buffer overflow, and demonstrates how improper handling of user-supplied data can result in arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires remote access to the FTP server and leverages the server's own processing logic against itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms being established by attackers. Organizations running Dream FTP Server versions affected by this vulnerability face significant risk of unauthorized access to their file systems and network resources. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location with network connectivity to the affected server, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing FTP services. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0338 require immediate action including patching the Dream FTP Server to a version that properly validates and sanitizes user input before processing. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of FTP services to untrusted networks and consider disabling unnecessary FTP services entirely. Input validation mechanisms should be strengthened to prevent format string specifiers from being processed as part of user commands, with proper bounds checking and length limitations enforced. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous USER command patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious FTP traffic patterns associated with format string exploitation attempts, as these attacks often generate distinctive network signatures that can be detected through proper monitoring protocols.