CVE-2024-0731 in FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/19/2024
A vulnerability has been found in PCMan FTP Server 2.0.7 and classified as problematic. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component PUT Command Handler. The manipulation leads to denial of service. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. VDB-251554 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0731 represents a critical denial of service weakness within PCMan FTP Server version 2.0.7 that specifically targets the PUT command handler component. This flaw exists in the server's handling of file upload operations and demonstrates a significant security gap that allows remote attackers to disrupt service availability. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates that it poses a substantial risk to system integrity and operational continuity, particularly in environments where FTP services are actively utilized. The affected PUT command handler component serves as a critical interface for file transfer operations, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it directly impacts the server's core functionality.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and error handling within the PUT command processing logic. When remote attackers submit malformed or specially crafted requests through the PUT command, the server fails to properly validate the incoming data and subsequently crashes or becomes unresponsive. This behavior manifests as a denial of service condition that prevents legitimate users from accessing the FTP server's file upload capabilities. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to trigger the condition, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments. The attack vector typically involves sending malformed PUT requests that cause the server process to terminate unexpectedly or enter an infinite loop, effectively rendering the service unavailable to all users.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-0731 extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can severely compromise business continuity and user productivity in environments relying on FTP services. Organizations utilizing PCMan FTP Server 2.0.7 may experience complete service outages during attack windows, potentially leading to data loss, operational delays, and customer dissatisfaction. The vulnerability's public disclosure status through VDB-251554 increases the risk of exploitation as threat actors can readily access detailed information about the flaw's characteristics and attack methods. This exposure creates a window of opportunity where unpatched systems face immediate risk of being compromised, potentially leading to more severe consequences such as unauthorized data access or system compromise.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate mitigation efforts for this vulnerability by implementing network-level controls and access restrictions to limit exposure. The recommended approach includes applying vendor-provided patches or updates as soon as they become available, while simultaneously implementing firewall rules that restrict access to the FTP service from trusted networks only. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious PUT command patterns and alert administrators to potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing rate limiting and connection throttling mechanisms can help reduce the effectiveness of denial of service attacks by limiting the number of requests that can be processed within a given time period. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-400, which addresses unspecified denial of service conditions, and may be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network disruption attacks. The vulnerability's impact classification as a remote denial of service attack demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust network monitoring controls to prevent unauthorized exploitation of FTP server components.