CVE-2010-3099 in SmartFTP
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in SmartSoft Ltd SmartFTP Client 4.0.1124.0, and possibly other versions before 4.0 Build 1133, allows remote FTP servers to overwrite arbitrary files via a "..\" (dot dot backslash) in a filename. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3099 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within SmartSoft Ltd SmartFTP Client version 4.0.1124.0 and potentially earlier releases. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize filename parameters received from remote FTP servers. The flaw specifically manifests when the client encounters filenames containing "..\" sequences, which are commonly used in directory traversal attacks to navigate outside of intended directories. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the file system integrity of the affected client software.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which classifies improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, also known as path traversal or directory traversal. The attack vector leverages the client's failure to validate or sanitize file paths received from remote servers, allowing malicious FTP servers to craft specially formatted filenames that exploit the underlying operating system's directory navigation mechanisms. The specific exploitation technique involves using the "..\" sequence to traverse upward in the directory structure, potentially enabling attackers to overwrite files in arbitrary locations on the victim's system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites, as it fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of the affected FTP client. An attacker controlling a remote FTP server can manipulate the client to write files to critical system locations, potentially including system executables, configuration files, or user data directories. This capability enables a range of malicious activities including privilege escalation, persistent backdoor installation, and system compromise. The vulnerability affects not only individual user systems but also enterprise environments where multiple users may be connecting to untrusted FTP servers, creating potential for widespread compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3099 should prioritize immediate software updates to SmartFTP Client version 4.0 Build 1133 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict FTP traffic to trusted servers only, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additionally, security awareness training for users about the dangers of connecting to untrusted FTP servers can help prevent accidental exploitation. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the use of scripting and command-line interfaces, as exploitation may involve crafting malicious filenames that leverage command execution capabilities. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file operations and directory traversal patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on outbound connections to FTP servers and anomalous file system modifications.