CVE-2007-1485 in Ftplib
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Buffer overflow in the set_umask function in QFTP in LIBFtp 3.1-1 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long -m argument. NOTE: CVE disputes this issue because QFTP is not setuid, and it is unlikely that there are web interfaces to QFTP that would accept untrusted command line arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1485 relates to a buffer overflow condition within the set_umask function of QFTP component in LIBFtp version 3.1-1. This flaw exists in the command line argument processing mechanism where the -m argument is handled without proper bounds checking. The buffer overflow occurs when local users provide an excessively long argument to the -m flag, causing memory corruption that can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stack-based buffer overflow, which represents a fundamental security weakness in software development practices. Such vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they can be leveraged by attackers to gain unauthorized access or escalate privileges within the compromised environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input validation and memory management within the QFTP application. When the set_umask function processes the -m argument, it likely uses a fixed-size buffer to store the argument value without verifying that the input length exceeds the allocated buffer space. This creates a condition where user-supplied data can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the program's execution flow. The exploitability of this vulnerability is significantly enhanced by the fact that QFTP is a network service that may be invoked with command line arguments, making it susceptible to manipulation through various attack vectors. The buffer overflow could potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program variables, leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the QFTP process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a critical security weakness in the broader context of system protection. Even though the original CVE description notes that QFTP is not setuid and unlikely to have web interfaces, the presence of this vulnerability in a network service component still poses significant risks to system integrity. Local users who can access the system may exploit this flaw to gain elevated privileges or to compromise other services running on the same system. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in network services, particularly those that handle user-provided data through command line arguments. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create substantial security risks when combined with appropriate attack conditions.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate code fixes and broader security practices. The primary solution involves implementing proper bounds checking and input validation within the set_umask function to prevent buffer overflows when processing the -m argument. This aligns with common security best practices and standards such as those outlined in the CWE database under CWE-121 for stack-based buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, system administrators should ensure that all instances of LIBFtp are updated to versions that address this vulnerability, as the issue affects the entire software ecosystem. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically leveraging memory corruption vulnerabilities to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring and logging of command line argument usage to detect potential exploitation attempts, as well as maintain regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other network services and applications.