CVE-2007-0665 in WS_FTP
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the SCP module in Ipswitch WS_FTP 2007 Professional might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via format string specifiers in the filename, related to the SHELL WS_FTP script command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0665 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the SCP module of Ipswitch WS_FTP 2007 Professional software. This flaw exists in the handling of filename parameters within the SHELL WS_FTP script command implementation, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the application's string formatting functions. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that is subsequently processed through format string functions without adequate protection mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious filenames containing format string specifiers that are then processed by the vulnerable SCP module. These specifiers can manipulate the program's execution flow by reading from or writing to memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system. The vulnerability specifically affects the SHELL command functionality within the WS_FTP scripting environment, where user-provided filenames are directly incorporated into format string operations without proper sanitization. This represents a classic format string vulnerability that aligns with CWE-134, which defines the weakness of using user-supplied data in format string functions without proper validation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations utilizing Ipswitch WS_FTP 2007 Professional for file transfer operations. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on systems running the vulnerable software, potentially gaining full system compromise. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed over network connections, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where file transfer operations are common. The vulnerability impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the affected systems, as successful exploitation could lead to data exfiltration, system takeover, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through official patches provided by Ipswitch, as well as implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to the vulnerable SCP module. Organizations should consider disabling the SHELL command functionality within WS_FTP when it is not strictly required for operations. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected services from untrusted networks. Additionally, input validation should be strengthened to prevent format string specifiers from being processed in filename parameters, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and the potential consequences of inadequate protection against format string attacks, which are commonly addressed through ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1211 for exploitation for defense evasion.