CVE-2010-3867 in ProFTPD
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in the mod_site_misc module in ProFTPD before 1.3.3c allow remote authenticated users to create directories, delete directories, create symlinks, and modify file timestamps via directory traversal sequences in a (1) SITE MKDIR, (2) SITE RMDIR, (3) SITE SYMLINK, or (4) SITE UTIME command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2021
The CVE-2010-3867 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the mod_site_misc module of ProFTPD software versions prior to 1.3.3c. This vulnerability affects the core file system operations that administrators and authorized users typically perform through SITE commands, creating a significant security risk for any system running vulnerable versions of the ProFTPD server. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the module's handling of directory traversal sequences, allowing maliciously crafted commands to manipulate the file system beyond intended boundaries.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated users exploit the lack of proper path validation in four specific SITE commands: SITE MKDIR for directory creation, SITE RMDIR for directory deletion, SITE SYMLINK for symbolic link creation, and SITE UTIME for file timestamp modification. These commands process user-supplied paths without sufficient sanitization, enabling attackers to manipulate file system operations through carefully crafted directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level where the server fails to properly resolve and validate paths before executing file system operations, creating opportunities for attackers to access or modify files outside the intended directory structure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables authenticated attackers to perform arbitrary file system operations that could lead to complete system compromise. The ability to create directories and symlinks allows attackers to establish persistent access points or manipulate the file system in ways that could disrupt services or escalate privileges. The capability to delete directories and modify file timestamps provides attackers with tools to obscure their activities or disrupt system operations. This vulnerability particularly impacts organizations using ProFTPD for file sharing services, as authenticated users with limited access could potentially gain broader system control through these directory traversal exploits.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of improper input validation that aligns with CWE-22 directory traversal weakness, which is categorized under the Software Fault Pattern taxonomy. The vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including TA0005 Defense Evasion through path manipulation, TA0004 Privilege Escalation via unauthorized file system access, and TA0002 Execution through manipulation of system resources. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of ProFTPD installations to version 1.3.3c or later, while implementing additional monitoring for suspicious SITE command usage patterns and establishing robust access controls to limit authenticated user privileges.
The remediation strategy involves applying the official security patch released by ProFTPD developers, which addresses the input validation deficiencies in the mod_site_misc module. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of FTP services to trusted networks only. Additional defensive measures include deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious directory traversal patterns in FTP traffic, implementing strict file system permissions, and conducting regular security audits of FTP server configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing alternative secure file transfer protocols such as SFTP or FTPS when possible, as these protocols typically offer better built-in protection against such traversal attacks.