CVE-2008-5753 in BulletProof FTP Client
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in BulletProof FTP Client 2.63 allows user-assisted attackers to execute arbitrary code via a bookmark file entry with a long host name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5753 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the BulletProof FTP Client version 2.63. This security weakness resides in the client's handling of bookmark file entries, specifically when processing host name data that exceeds predetermined buffer limits. The flaw enables malicious actors to craft specially formatted bookmark files that, when loaded by an unsuspecting user, trigger the overflow condition. The vulnerability operates through a classic stack corruption mechanism where excessive input data overwrites adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate program execution flow and inject malicious code.
From a technical perspective, this buffer overflow vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the bookmark parsing routine. When the FTP client processes a bookmark file containing an excessively long host name field, the application fails to properly validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic programming error allows attackers to overwrite return addresses and other critical stack variables, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected user. The vulnerability is classified as user-assisted since it requires the victim to intentionally load the malicious bookmark file, typically through interaction with a crafted file or URL.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-5753 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to systems running vulnerable versions of BulletProof FTP Client. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow, which is categorized under the broader class of memory safety issues that have historically led to numerous exploitation scenarios. The attack vector leverages social engineering techniques where users might unknowingly download and open malicious bookmark files from untrusted sources, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with external file systems. The exploitability of this vulnerability is enhanced by the fact that it requires no special privileges to trigger, as the overflow occurs during normal client operation when processing bookmark data.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly under the techniques of T1059 command and scripting interpreter and T1203 exploit public-facing application, where the attack chain involves exploiting a client-side application vulnerability to execute arbitrary code. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the BulletProof FTP Client to version 2.64 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, organizations should implement strict file access controls and user education programs to prevent accidental execution of malicious bookmark files. Network-level protections such as application whitelisting and endpoint detection systems can provide additional defense layers, while regular security assessments should verify that no systems remain vulnerable to this specific buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation practices and proper memory management in client-side applications, particularly those handling user-provided data in formats such as configuration files or bookmark entries.