CVE-2017-14742 in nfsAxe FTP Client
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in LabF nfsAxe FTP client 3.7 allows an attacker to execute code remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14742 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within LabF nfsAxe FTP client version 3.7 that exposes users to remote code execution risks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's handling of network data, specifically when processing FTP server responses or connection parameters. The buffer overflow occurs when the client receives malformed data from an attacker-controlled FTP server, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite critical program memory regions.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory buffers. The vulnerability manifests when the nfsAxe client processes FTP directory listings or file attributes from malicious servers, leading to unpredictable memory corruption patterns. Attackers can craft specially formatted FTP responses that trigger the buffer overflow, potentially allowing them to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected user running the client application. This represents a severe security weakness that transforms a legitimate network client into a potential attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it enables full system compromise when exploited successfully. An attacker who controls an FTP server or can intercept FTP traffic can leverage this vulnerability to gain remote code execution capabilities, potentially leading to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that FTP clients are commonly used in enterprise environments for file transfers and system administration tasks, making the exploitation potential widespread across various organizational networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14742 should prioritize immediate patching of the nfsAxe FTP client to version 3.8 or later, which contains the necessary buffer overflow protections and input validation improvements. Network administrators should implement strict FTP server access controls and consider disabling FTP client functionality in environments where untrusted FTP servers may be encountered. Additionally, deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous FTP traffic patterns and implementing secure network segmentation can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider transitioning to more secure file transfer protocols such as SFTP or FTPS, which provide encryption and better authentication mechanisms that mitigate many of the risks associated with traditional FTP implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against remote code execution threats in client applications.