CVE-2008-2822 in 3D-FTP Client
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in the FTP client in 3D-FTP Client 8.01 (8.0 build 1) allow remote FTP servers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in a response to a (1) LIST or (2) MLSD command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2822 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the 3D-FTP Client version 8.01, specifically affecting the FTP client component that processes directory listing responses from remote servers. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the client's handling of FTP LIST and MLSD command responses, where the client fails to properly sanitize directory path components that contain .. (dot dot) sequences. The flaw allows malicious FTP servers to manipulate file system operations by crafting specially formatted responses that contain directory traversal sequences, enabling unauthorized file creation or overwrites on the client system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the 3D-FTP Client processes directory listing responses from remote servers without adequate validation of path components. When the client receives a LIST or MLSD response containing .. sequences, it interprets these as legitimate directory navigation commands rather than malicious input attempts. This processing error creates a path traversal condition where the client's file system operations are manipulated to target arbitrary locations on the local system. The vulnerability specifically affects the client's interpretation of directory entries during file listing operations, where the .. sequences are not properly filtered or normalized before file system operations are executed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant security risks to users who connect to potentially malicious or compromised FTP servers. An attacker controlling a remote FTP server can exploit this flaw to overwrite critical system files, create malicious executables in system directories, or place backdoor files in locations accessible to the user. The impact extends beyond simple file manipulation as it can lead to privilege escalation, system compromise, or persistent access to the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no user interaction beyond establishing a normal FTP connection, making it an automated attack vector that can compromise systems without user awareness.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-22 Directory Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of commands through directory traversal attacks. The flaw represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that has been consistently identified in FTP client implementations over many years, highlighting the persistent nature of inadequate input validation in network protocol clients. Organizations using 3D-FTP Client version 8.01 should immediately implement mitigations including software updates from the vendor, network segmentation to limit access to potentially malicious FTP servers, and monitoring for suspicious file system activity. Additionally, users should avoid connecting to untrusted FTP servers and consider alternative secure file transfer protocols such as SFTP or FTPS that provide better protection against such attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in network client applications and the need for comprehensive security testing of protocol implementations against common attack vectors.