CVE-2010-20108 in FTP Client
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2025
FTPPad <= 1.2.0 contains a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in its FTP directory listing parser. When the client connects to an FTP server and receives a crafted response to a LIST command containing an excessively long directory and filename, the application fails to properly validate input length. This results in a buffer overflow that overwrites the saved Extended Instruction Pointer (EIP), allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-20108 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in FTPPad version 1.2.0 and earlier, which falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121. This flaw resides within the application's FTP directory listing parser functionality that processes responses from remote FTP servers. The vulnerability manifests when the client application receives a maliciously crafted response to a LIST command containing an excessively long directory and filename combination. The application's failure to properly validate the length of input data during the parsing process creates an exploitable condition where memory corruption occurs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic stack-based buffer overflow attack pattern that targets the saved Extended Instruction Pointer register within the program's execution context. When the FTPPad client receives a maliciously formatted directory listing response, the application attempts to store the overly long filename or directory path into a fixed-size buffer on the stack without proper bounds checking. This overflow corrupts the saved EIP register, which normally contains the address of the next instruction to execute after the current function returns. The attacker can manipulate this corrupted EIP value to redirect program execution to malicious code injected into the stack, thereby achieving arbitrary code execution privileges on the victim system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise the entire system running the vulnerable FTPPad client. The attack requires minimal prerequisites since it only needs the victim to connect to a malicious FTP server and execute the LIST command, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently connect to external FTP services. The vulnerability affects any system running FTPPad version 1.2.0 or earlier, regardless of operating system, since the buffer overflow occurs within the application's memory management routines rather than at the system level. This makes it particularly attractive to attackers who can leverage it for persistent system compromise, data exfiltration, or as a foothold for further network infiltration activities.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in applications to gain remote access. The attack vector represents a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited without user interaction beyond establishing the FTP connection, making it suitable for automated exploitation campaigns. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the FTPPad application to version 1.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules can be implemented to restrict FTP server access to trusted networks, while implementing proper input sanitization within the application code to prevent similar issues in future versions. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious FTP LIST command responses that may indicate exploitation attempts.