CVE-2024-1474 in WS_FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2024
In WS_FTP Server versions before 8.8.5, reflected cross-site scripting issues have been identified on various user supplied inputs on the WS_FTP Server administrative interface.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified in CVE-2024-1474 affects WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.8.5 and represents a critical security flaw in the administrative web interface. This issue manifests as reflected cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that occur when user-supplied inputs are not properly sanitized before being processed and returned to the browser. The administrative interface serves as a primary attack vector since it handles sensitive configuration parameters and user management functions that require authentication and authorization controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the web application layer of WS_FTP Server. When administrators or authorized users interact with the interface, any maliciously crafted input parameters can be reflected back to the browser without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of the victim's browser session. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking. An attacker who successfully exploits this reflected XSS vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges, modify administrative configurations, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive server data. The administrative interface typically contains powerful functions such as user management, file permissions, server configuration settings, and access control policies that make this vector particularly dangerous. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by an authenticated administrator, would execute the malicious payload in the administrator's browser session.
The exploitation of CVE-2024-1474 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can leverage the XSS vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that may then be used to execute additional attacks. Additionally, this vulnerability supports the T1566.001 technique for Phishing by enabling attackers to craft convincing malicious web pages that appear legitimate to administrators. The vulnerability also relates to T1078.004 for Valid Accounts which could be exploited to maintain access after initial compromise through session manipulation or credential theft.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to WS_FTP Server version 8.8.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the reflected XSS vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and monitoring of administrative interfaces should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular input validation testing and web application security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper output encoding, using Content Security Policy headers, and conducting regular security awareness training for administrators to recognize and avoid potentially malicious web interactions.