CVE-2017-16513 in WS_FTP Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Ipswitch WS_FTP Professional before 12.6.0.3 has buffer overflows in the local search field and the backup locations field, aka WSCLT-1729.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16513 affects Ipswitch WS_FTP Professional versions prior to 12.6.0.3 and represents a critical buffer overflow condition that exists within the application's local search field and backup locations field functionality. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the software's handling of user-supplied data, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer allocated on the stack. The specific attack vectors involve the local search field and backup locations field where user input is processed without adequate sanitization or length validation, allowing attackers to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space and potentially overwrites adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it can enable arbitrary code execution within the context of the running WS_FTP Professional application. When an attacker successfully exploits this buffer overflow, they can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting return addresses or function pointers stored in memory, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a user to interact with the affected application through the local search or backup locations functionality, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter maliciously crafted input during routine operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges and execute malicious code with the same privileges as the affected application.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-16513 focus primarily on applying the vendor-provided patch that updates WS_FTP Professional to version 12.6.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and buffer management fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive software update policies that prioritize critical security patches and establish regular vulnerability assessment procedures to identify unpatched systems. Network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation by restricting user access to the affected application and limiting the attack surface. Additionally, input validation should be enforced at multiple layers including application-level sanitization, database input filtering, and network-level traffic inspection. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual patterns in search and backup location field usage that might indicate exploitation attempts, while system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized execution of potentially vulnerable versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management and input validation practices in software development, aligning with security standards that emphasize defensive programming techniques and the principle of least privilege in application design.