CVE-2007-5184 in SmbFTPD
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the SMBDirList function in dirlist.c in SmbFTPD 0.96 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a directory name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5184 represents a critical format string vulnerability within the SmbFTPD 0.96 file transfer protocol implementation. This flaw exists specifically within the SMBDirList function located in the dirlist.c source file, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through carefully crafted directory names containing format string specifiers. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied directory names, which are directly incorporated into printf-style formatting functions without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker sends a specially crafted directory name containing format string conversion specifiers such as %x, %s, or %n to the vulnerable SmbFTPD server. These specifiers, when processed by the vulnerable printf-family function, can cause the application to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations, potentially leading to stack corruption, memory disclosure, or arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where format strings are constructed from user-controlled data without proper validation. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of software security flaws that enable attackers to manipulate program execution flow through improper handling of input data.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-5184 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized access to the affected system. Successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the SmbFTPD service account. This represents a significant threat to network security since SMB services are commonly exposed to external networks, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where proper network segmentation is not implemented. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need local access or credentials to leverage the flaw, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the initial compromise can lead to further system exploitation and privilege elevation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5184 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and sanitization. The primary remediation involves updating to a patched version of SmbFTPD that properly handles user-supplied directory names by implementing strict input validation and escaping of format string specifiers. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to SMB services, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, and applying proper access controls to restrict who can interact with the vulnerable service. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable applications within their infrastructure that may exhibit similar format string handling issues. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation in security-critical applications and highlights the need for defensive programming practices that prevent user-controlled data from being directly processed through formatting functions.