CVE-2019-25267 in Wing FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2026
Wing FTP Server 6.0.7 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated system privileges. Attackers can exploit the unquoted binary path in the service configuration to inject malicious executables that will be launched with LocalSystem permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25267 resides within Wing FTP Server version 6.0.7 and represents a critical security flaw related to service path configuration. This issue falls under the category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities and specifically targets the Windows service architecture where the application fails to properly quote the executable path during service installation. The flaw creates an exploitable condition where malicious actors can place executable files in directories that are searched before the intended service binary location, effectively enabling code injection attacks that leverage the elevated privileges of the LocalSystem account.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper service path handling during the installation process of Wing FTP Server. When Windows services are configured without proper quotation of paths containing spaces, the operating system performs a recursive search through the PATH environment variable to locate the executable. This behavior creates a window of opportunity for attackers to place malicious binaries in directories that appear earlier in the search order, allowing their code to execute with the same privileges as the legitimate service. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-428, which describes the weakness of unquoted service paths, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation in service configuration can lead to privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve system-level compromise through local access. Once an attacker gains local privileges, they can exploit this flaw to inject malicious code that will execute with LocalSystem permissions, effectively granting them complete control over the target system. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where FTP servers often run with elevated privileges and may be accessible to users with limited access rights. The attack vector requires only local system access, making it easier to exploit compared to remote attacks, and can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors or escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the entire system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25267 should focus on immediate service path correction and comprehensive system hardening. The primary remediation involves ensuring that all service executable paths are properly quoted during installation to prevent the Windows service manager from performing directory traversal searches. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of installed services to identify any additional unquoted paths that may exist in the system. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for service accounts, enabling Windows Defender Application Control, and maintaining up-to-date system patches can significantly reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation', and demonstrates how service misconfigurations can be exploited to achieve system-level compromise. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious service installations to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper service configuration and the potential consequences of seemingly minor oversights in system administration practices.