CVE-2025-5053 in FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 05/22/2025
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, has been found in FreeFloat FTP Server 1.0. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality of the component MDIR Command Handler. The manipulation leads to buffer overflow. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-5053 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the FreeFloat FTP Server version 1.0, specifically within the MDIR Command Handler component. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which deals with stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw exists in the server's handling of the MDIR command, which is likely used for directory management operations within the FTP protocol implementation. The buffer overflow occurs when the server processes user-supplied input through this command handler without proper bounds checking, allowing an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer.
The remote exploitation capability of this vulnerability significantly amplifies its threat level, as attackers can leverage this flaw from external networks without requiring physical access to the system. The MDIR Command Handler component appears to be particularly susceptible due to insufficient input validation mechanisms that should normally enforce maximum buffer sizes and sanitize user inputs before processing. This allows malicious actors to craft specially crafted MDIR commands that contain oversized payloads designed to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. The disclosure of the exploit to the public community means that this vulnerability is no longer a theoretical threat but an active risk that malicious actors can readily utilize.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this buffer overflow could gain unauthorized access to the FTP server, potentially escalating privileges to execute malicious code with the same privileges as the FTP service itself. The FreeFloat FTP Server running with elevated privileges could provide attackers with a foothold for further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability directly maps to several tactics within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on initial access through remote services and privilege escalation techniques. Organizations using this vulnerable FTP server implementation face significant risks including data theft, system compromise, and potential use as a pivot point for broader network infiltration attacks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of the FreeFloat FTP Server software, applying network segmentation measures to limit access to FTP services, and implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The recommended approach involves disabling unnecessary FTP services, implementing strict input validation on all FTP commands, and conducting thorough network monitoring for anomalous MDIR command usage patterns. Additionally, system administrators should consider deploying application-level firewalls and implementing the principle of least privilege for FTP service accounts to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other network services and applications that may present similar attack vectors.