CVE-2010-0932 in server
Summary
by MITRE
The FTP server in Perforce Server 2008.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (NULL pointer dereference and daemon crash) via a certain MKD command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0932 affects the Perforce Server 2008.1 FTP implementation, specifically targeting the daemon process through improper handling of the MKD (Make Directory) command. This flaw represents a classic denial of service vulnerability that can be exploited by remote attackers to crash the FTP server daemon. The vulnerability occurs when the server receives a malformed MKD command that triggers a NULL pointer dereference during command processing, leading to an unhandled exception that terminates the daemon service. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and error handling within network services, which is consistent with CWE-476, Null Pointer Dereference, and CWE-119, Improper Restriction of Operations within a Limited Access Scope.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to establish a connection to the FTP server and send a specially crafted MKD command that contains malformed parameters or unexpected data structures. When the Perforce server processes this command, the lack of proper input validation causes the system to attempt to dereference a NULL pointer, resulting in an immediate crash of the FTP daemon process. This crash effectively renders the FTP service unavailable to legitimate users, creating a denial of service condition that can be exploited repeatedly to maintain service disruption. The vulnerability demonstrates poor defensive programming practices and inadequate error handling mechanisms within the server's command processing pipeline.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption, as it can be leveraged as part of broader attack strategies to compromise system availability and reliability. Organizations relying on Perforce Server for version control operations may experience significant disruption to their development workflows when this vulnerability is exploited, particularly in environments where continuous integration and automated build processes depend on stable FTP access. The vulnerability also represents a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, as service disruption can be used to mask other malicious activities or create conditions for further exploitation. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, Network Denial of Service, and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create substantial operational risks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and error handling within the FTP server's command processing logic. System administrators should apply the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the NULL pointer dereference issue in the MKD command handling. Additionally, network-level protections such as firewall rules that limit FTP access to trusted networks, or implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and block suspicious MKD command patterns, provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust error handling in network services and demonstrates why security-conscious development practices, including thorough input validation and defensive programming techniques, are essential for maintaining system reliability and security. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect daemon crashes or service interruptions that may indicate exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.