CVE-2019-25587 in BulletProof FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/22/2026
BulletProof FTP Server 2019.0.0.50 contains a denial of service vulnerability in the Storage-Path configuration parameter that allows local attackers to crash the application by supplying an excessively long string value. Attackers can enable the Override Storage-Path setting and paste a buffer of 500 bytes or more to trigger an application crash when saving the configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25587 resides within BulletProof FTP Server version 2019.0.0.50 and represents a classic buffer overflow condition that manifests as a denial of service attack. This weakness specifically targets the Storage-Path configuration parameter, which serves as a critical component in defining where files are stored within the server's file system hierarchy. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the application's configuration handling subsystem, allowing malicious actors to exploit the lack of proper string length limitations. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates at the local attacker level, meaning that an attacker must already have access to the system to exploit this vulnerability, though this access requirement does not diminish its potential impact on system availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Override Storage-Path setting, which functions as a configuration override mechanism that permits administrators to specify alternative storage locations for FTP server operations. When attackers supply a buffer exceeding 500 bytes in length to this parameter, the application fails to properly handle the excessive input, leading to memory corruption and subsequent application termination. This behavior aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a form of memory safety vulnerability that can be exploited through improper input handling. The application's failure to validate input length before processing creates an exploitable condition where the buffer overflow directly translates into a complete application crash, effectively rendering the FTP service unavailable to legitimate users.
From an operational perspective, this denial of service vulnerability significantly impacts the availability and reliability of the BulletProof FTP Server, potentially disrupting file transfer operations and causing service interruptions for authorized users. The attack vector is relatively straightforward and requires minimal resources to execute, making it particularly dangerous in environments where continuous availability is critical. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate availability of the FTP service but can also potentially impact other system components that depend on the server's stability. This type of vulnerability can be leveraged as part of broader attack strategies, particularly in environments where multiple services are interconnected, and the FTP server serves as a critical component in data transfer workflows. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption to include potential data integrity concerns and operational downtime that can affect business continuity.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25587 should focus on implementing proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms within the application's configuration handling code. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the software to include proper string length validation for the Storage-Path parameter, ensuring that input values are constrained to reasonable limits before processing. System administrators should also implement configuration management practices that limit local access privileges and enforce least-privilege principles, reducing the attack surface for local exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring and logging mechanisms should be enhanced to detect unusual configuration changes or buffer overflow attempts, providing early warning capabilities for potential exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following guidelines such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, which emphasize the need for input validation and proper memory management to prevent buffer overflow conditions that can lead to denial of service scenarios. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous configuration changes and buffer overflow patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.