CVE-2007-6735 in NetWare
Summary
by MITRE
NWFTPD.nlm before 5.08.06 in the FTP server in Novell NetWare does not properly handle partial matches for container names in the FTPREST.TXT file, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions via an FTP session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-6735 affects NWFTPD.nlm, a component of Novell NetWare's FTP server software, specifically versions prior to 5.08.06. This issue stems from improper handling of container name matching within the FTPREST.TXT file, which serves as a critical access control mechanism for FTP sessions. The flaw represents a significant security weakness in the authentication and authorization framework of the NetWare FTP server implementation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes partial matches for container names, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to exploit the flawed comparison logic and gain unauthorized access to restricted resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the FTP server's handling of access control lists stored in the FTPREST.TXT file. When processing FTP commands, the server performs container name matching operations that should enforce strict access controls based on user permissions and container hierarchies. However, the flawed implementation allows for partial string matching that can be manipulated by attackers to bypass intended access restrictions. This particular weakness falls under the category of improper access control mechanisms, which aligns with CWE-285 and CWE-286 classifications related to authorization failures and improper privilege management. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic case of insufficient input validation and inadequate comparison logic that enables attackers to exploit the system's trust model.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates a serious threat landscape for organizations running affected Novell NetWare systems. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to establish FTP sessions that grant them access to containers and resources they should not be authorized to access. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized data access, potentially allowing for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the protocol level of the FTP server implementation, making it difficult to detect through standard network monitoring. Attackers can craft specific FTPREST.TXT entries or manipulate session parameters to exploit the partial matching behavior, effectively circumventing the intended security controls that should protect sensitive container hierarchies and user permissions.
The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any organization utilizing Novell NetWare FTP services with affected software versions. System administrators who have not applied the necessary patches face significant risk of unauthorized access to their network resources. The vulnerability's exploitation requires remote access capabilities and knowledge of the FTP server's container structure, making it more sophisticated than simple brute force attacks but still within reach of determined threat actors. Organizations should consider this weakness in the context of broader network security frameworks, particularly when implementing the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple systems within a NetWare environment makes it particularly dangerous for organizations with extensive legacy infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6735 primarily focus on immediate software patching and configuration hardening. Organizations should prioritize updating their Novell NetWare systems to version 5.08.06 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the container name matching logic. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict access controls for FTPREST.TXT files, ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify these critical access control configuration files. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to FTP services to trusted networks only. Regular security audits of FTP server configurations and monitoring of access logs should be conducted to detect any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and security information event management solutions can help identify potential exploitation attempts that leverage this vulnerability's characteristics.