CVE-2014-0604 in Reflection FTP Client
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the rftpcom.dll ActiveX control in Attachmate Reflection FTP Client before 14.1.429 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors to the StartLog method.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2017
The CVE-2014-0604 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the rftpcom.dll ActiveX control component of Attachmate Reflection FTP Client versions prior to 14.1.429. This vulnerability resides in the StartLog method of the ActiveX control, which is designed to initiate logging operations within the FTP client application. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file paths and execute arbitrary code on affected systems through maliciously crafted input parameters. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path handling mechanisms within the ActiveX control, allowing attackers to traverse directory structures beyond the intended scope of file operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of parameters passed to the StartLog method, which accepts user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation. When an attacker crafts malicious input that includes directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\, the ActiveX control fails to properly validate these paths before attempting to create or access log files. This inadequate validation creates a path traversal condition where the control can be coerced into writing files to arbitrary locations on the target system or executing code in contexts where it should not have access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the ActiveX control's elevated privileges within the application context, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the running FTP client process.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0604 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited in conjunction with other attack vectors. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify system files, or escalate privileges within the target environment. The vulnerability affects Windows systems running the vulnerable Attachmate Reflection FTP Client software, particularly those that have ActiveX controls enabled in web browsers or applications that utilize the control. This creates a wide attack surface as the vulnerability can be exploited through web-based attacks, email attachments, or malicious websites that prompt users to interact with the vulnerable ActiveX control. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22 as a Directory Traversal attack, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for arbitrary code execution and privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0604 focus primarily on updating to the patched version of Attachmate Reflection FTP Client 14.1.429 or later, which addresses the input validation issues within the rftpcom.dll ActiveX control. Organizations should implement immediate patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the security update. Additional protective measures include disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers when not explicitly required, implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unsigned or untrusted ActiveX components, and configuring network firewalls to block access to vulnerable FTP client applications from untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, particularly when dealing with file system operations in ActiveX controls. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and execution through compromised applications, with potential lateral movement capabilities once initial access is achieved. Security administrators should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions to monitor for suspicious file creation patterns or execution of malicious code in the context of the FTP client application.