CVE-2008-2795 in UltraEdit
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the FTP and SFTP clients in IDM Computer Solutions Inc UltraEdit 14.00b allows remote FTP servers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) or a ..\ (dot dot backslash) in a response to a LIST command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2795 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting the FTP and SFTP client implementations within IDM Computer Solutions Inc UltraEdit version 14.00b. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize directory paths received from remote FTP servers during LIST command responses. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper path normalization and validation when processing directory listings, allowing malicious remote servers to manipulate file system operations through crafted directory references.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the UltraEdit client processes directory listings from compromised FTP servers. Attackers can craft malicious responses to LIST commands that contain directory traversal sequences such as ".." or "..\" which should normally be rejected or properly resolved. When the vulnerable client processes these sequences without adequate validation, it permits the creation or overwriting of files in arbitrary locations on the local system. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where the client fails to implement proper access control and path validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file corruption or creation, as it enables attackers to potentially overwrite critical system files, install malicious software, or execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running UltraEdit. Remote FTP servers can leverage this weakness to perform persistent attacks against systems that use the vulnerable software, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently connect to untrusted FTP servers. The attack vector operates through standard FTP protocol communication channels, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional network monitoring approaches. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could lead to command execution capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the UltraEdit application to version 14.00b or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly validate and sanitize directory paths. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to untrusted FTP servers, while also considering the deployment of network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious FTP traffic patterns. Additionally, security awareness training should emphasize the risks of connecting to untrusted FTP servers, and system administrators should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify potentially affected systems. The fix implemented by the vendor addresses the core validation issue by ensuring that all directory paths received from remote servers are properly normalized and validated before any file system operations are performed, thereby preventing the exploitation of the directory traversal vulnerability through crafted LIST command responses.