CVE-2010-3103 in FTPGetter
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in FTPGetter Team FTPGetter 3.51.0.05, and probably earlier versions, allows remote FTP servers to write arbitrary files via a "..\" (dot dot backslash) in a filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3103 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within FTPGetter Team FTPGetter version 3.51.0.05 and potentially earlier iterations. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize filenames received from remote FTP servers during file transfer operations. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes filenames containing "..\" sequences, which are commonly used in directory traversal attacks to navigate outside the intended directory structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of filename parameters within FTP transfer protocols. When an FTP server sends a file with a malicious filename containing "..\" sequences, the FTPGetter application fails to properly validate or sanitize these inputs before processing them. This allows attackers to specify paths that traverse directories beyond the intended download location, potentially enabling them to write files to arbitrary locations on the target system. The flaw essentially bypasses the application's intended file handling restrictions and creates opportunities for unauthorized file system modifications.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to organizations utilizing FTPGetter for automated file transfers. Attackers could leverage this weakness to overwrite critical system files, inject malicious code into the target environment, or establish persistence mechanisms through file placement in system directories. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that malicious actors do not require local access to the system to potentially compromise it. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where automated FTP transfers are configured to run with elevated privileges or where the application has write access to sensitive directories.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal. This classification reflects the core issue where the application fails to properly restrict file system access to intended directories. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code through file placement, and T1078.004 for valid accounts, since the exploitation could occur through legitimate FTP server communications. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, input validation controls, and access restriction measures to mitigate potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3103 should include immediate patching of the FTPGetter application to the latest available version that addresses this directory traversal vulnerability. System administrators should also implement strict input validation measures that sanitize all filename inputs from remote FTP servers, particularly filtering out or rejecting any sequences containing "..\" patterns. Network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict FTP server communications to trusted sources can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for FTPGetter application execution, ensuring it runs with minimal required permissions, and conducting regular security audits of automated file transfer processes will help prevent exploitation. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file transfer activities that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.