CVE-2008-2889 in WISE-FTP
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the FTP client in AceBIT WISE-FTP 4.1.0 and 5.5.8 allows remote FTP servers to create or overwrite arbitrary files via a ..\ (dot dot backslash) in a response to a LIST command, a related issue to CVE-2002-1345.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2025
The CVE-2008-2889 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the FTP client component of AceBIT WISE-FTP versions 4.1.0 and 5.5.8. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated manipulation of FTP protocol responses, specifically targeting the LIST command functionality that retrieves directory listings from remote FTP servers. The flaw enables malicious remote FTP servers to exploit the client's handling of path traversal sequences, creating a significant security risk that aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal weakness classification. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and path sanitization within the client's response processing logic, allowing attackers to craft specially formatted responses that bypass normal file system access controls.
The technical exploitation mechanism involves the insertion of ..\ sequences within FTP server responses to the LIST command, which the vulnerable client interprets as legitimate directory navigation commands. When the client processes these malformed responses, it fails to properly validate the path components, leading to arbitrary file creation or overwriting operations on the local system. This behavior directly relates to CVE-2002-1345, establishing a pattern of similar vulnerabilities in FTP client implementations where path traversal sequences are not adequately sanitized. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically targeting the file system abstraction layer within the FTP client software, making it particularly dangerous for environments where users frequently connect to untrusted FTP servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation, creating potential for more severe security consequences including privilege escalation, system compromise, and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, overwrite critical system files, or create backdoor access points on compromised systems. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of the software indicates a fundamental flaw in the client's architecture that was not adequately addressed through patching or code review processes. Organizations utilizing WISE-FTP in environments where untrusted FTP servers are accessed face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited without requiring user interaction beyond establishing the FTP connection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2889 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the directory traversal vulnerability, while implementing network-level restrictions to prevent access to untrusted FTP servers. Organizations should deploy network segmentation and firewall rules to limit FTP connectivity to trusted servers only, reducing the attack surface available to malicious actors. Additionally, security awareness training for users should emphasize the dangers of connecting to unknown FTP servers and the importance of verifying server authenticity before establishing connections. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for security-conscious software development practices that follow established security frameworks and standards to prevent similar issues in future implementations.