CVE-2007-1564 in Konqueror
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP protocol implementation in Konqueror 3.5.5 allows remote servers to force the client to connect to other servers, perform a proxied port scan, or obtain sensitive information by specifying an alternate server address in an FTP PASV response.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1564 represents a significant security flaw in the Konqueror web browser's FTP protocol implementation, specifically affecting version 3.5.5. This issue stems from improper handling of the Passive FTP (PASV) command response mechanism, which creates a pathway for malicious remote FTP servers to manipulate client behavior in ways that compromise network security and user privacy. The flaw exists within the client-side FTP handling code that processes the server's response to a PASV command, allowing unauthorized manipulation of connection parameters that should remain under the control of the legitimate server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote FTP server sends a malicious PASV response containing an alternate IP address or port specification that differs from the original connection parameters. When Konqueror processes this response, it fails to validate the server address provided in the PASV response against the original connection context, enabling the remote server to redirect the client's subsequent data connection attempts. This behavior creates multiple attack vectors including forced client connections to arbitrary servers, which can lead to unauthorized data transfers, proxy-based port scanning activities, and potential information disclosure scenarios where sensitive data might be inadvertently transmitted to malicious endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple network disruption to encompass serious privacy and security implications for users. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform stealthy port scanning activities by forcing the vulnerable Konqueror client to connect to various ports on target systems, effectively using the client as a proxy for reconnaissance activities. Additionally, the vulnerability enables man-in-the-middle scenarios where malicious servers can intercept or manipulate data flows, potentially leading to credential theft, session hijacking, or unauthorized access to sensitive resources. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the protocol level, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches and potentially bypassing many security controls.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software implementations, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and trust model implementation in the FTP client, where the application assumes the legitimacy of server responses without proper verification mechanisms. Organizations using Konqueror 3.5.5 should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the browser, implementing network-level restrictions on FTP traffic, and configuring firewall rules to prevent unauthorized connections to external FTP servers. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper protocol implementation validation and the need for robust server response validation in client applications. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such attacks, while also ensuring that users are educated about the risks of connecting to untrusted FTP servers. The broader implications highlight the critical need for proper security testing of protocol implementations and the establishment of secure coding practices that prevent such fundamental trust model violations in client applications.