CVE-2024-0732 in FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/19/2024
A vulnerability was found in PCMan FTP Server 2.0.7 and classified as problematic. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component STOR Command Handler. The manipulation leads to denial of service. The attack may be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The associated identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-251555.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-0732 represents a critical denial of service flaw within PCMan FTP Server version 2.0.7 that stems from improper handling of the STOR command within its command processing framework. This weakness specifically manifests in the STOR Command Handler component which is responsible for managing file upload operations in the FTP protocol implementation. The vulnerability's classification as problematic indicates that it presents a significant risk to system availability and service integrity, particularly when exploited through remote network access channels.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the STOR command processing logic. When a malicious actor sends a specially crafted STOR command to the affected FTP server, the server's response mechanism fails to properly handle the malformed or unexpected input, resulting in a service disruption that can manifest as complete system unresponsiveness or termination of the FTP service. This type of flaw falls under CWE-400 which specifically addresses "Uncontrolled Resource Consumption" and represents a classic denial of service vector that can be exploited without requiring authentication or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption as it can severely compromise the availability of critical file transfer services that organizations rely upon for data exchange operations. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers can target the affected FTP server from external networks without requiring physical access or local system credentials, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where FTP services may be exposed to the internet. The public disclosure of the exploit, as indicated by the VDB-251555 identifier, increases the likelihood of widespread exploitation and potential impact across multiple systems running the vulnerable software version.
Security practitioners should consider implementing network-level mitigations including firewall rules that restrict access to FTP services from trusted networks only, along with monitoring for suspicious STOR command patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for "Network Denial of Service" and T1566.001 for "Phishing via Social Engineering" if the exploit is delivered through social engineering vectors. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of the affected PCMan FTP Server installations to eliminate this vulnerability, as the availability of a public exploit increases the risk profile significantly. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and error handling in network services, particularly those handling file transfer operations where malformed commands can lead to complete service disruption and potential data accessibility issues for legitimate users.