CVE-2024-1016 in FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2024
A vulnerability was found in Solar FTP Server 2.1.1/2.1.2. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component PASV 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. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. VDB-252286 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1016 represents a critical denial of service weakness within Solar FTP Server versions 2.1.1 and 2.1.2, specifically targeting the PASV Command Handler component. This flaw resides in the server's handling of passive mode commands which are essential for establishing data connections in FTP operations. The vulnerability's classification as a remote attack vector means that malicious actors can exploit this weakness without requiring physical access to the affected system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where FTP servers are exposed to external traffic.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the PASV command processing logic, which likely fails to adequately sanitize or validate the parameters received during passive mode connection establishment. When an attacker sends malformed or specially crafted PASV commands, the server's response handler becomes susceptible to disruption or complete failure, resulting in a denial of service condition that prevents legitimate users from accessing the FTP service. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption as it can affect business continuity and availability of critical file transfer operations. Organizations relying on Solar FTP Server for data exchange may experience significant disruptions when this vulnerability is exploited, particularly in environments where FTP services are integral to business processes. The public disclosure of the exploit, as indicated by its assignment to VDB-252286, increases the likelihood of widespread exploitation and makes this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations that have not yet applied the necessary patches. The remote exploitability factor means that attackers can target these vulnerable servers from anywhere on the internet without requiring local system access or credentials.
Security mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1016 should prioritize immediate patch application from the vendor, as this represents the most effective solution to eliminate the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of FTP servers to untrusted networks while monitoring for suspicious PASV command patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation. Additionally, maintaining up-to-date network intrusion detection systems with signatures for this specific vulnerability can help identify and block exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patch in non-production environments before deployment to ensure no regression issues are introduced, while also conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected components within the organization's FTP infrastructure.