CVE-2025-5331 in FTP Server
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2025
A vulnerability has been found in PCMan FTP Server 2.0.7 and classified as critical. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component NLST Command Handler. The manipulation leads to buffer overflow. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-5331 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within PCMan FTP Server version 2.0.7, specifically within the NLST command handler component. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which encompasses buffer overflow conditions that occur when more data is written to a buffer than it can hold, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The NLST command in FTP servers is used to list files in a directory, making it a fundamental component that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote manipulation of the NLST command handler, where an attacker can craft malicious input that exceeds the buffer capacity allocated for handling directory listings. This buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the FTP server process. The remote attack vector means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments where FTP servers are exposed to external traffic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within a network. The fact that the exploit has been publicly disclosed significantly increases the risk to affected systems, as threat actors can readily leverage this knowledge to target vulnerable installations. Organizations running PCMan FTP Server 2.0.7 without proper mitigation measures face substantial risk of unauthorized access and potential system infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-5331 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected software to address the buffer overflow condition in the NLST command handler. Security teams should also implement network-level restrictions such as firewall rules that limit access to FTP services to trusted networks only, and consider disabling unnecessary FTP features or services altogether. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious FTP activity and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services, and represents a significant concern for organizations following the principle of least privilege and zero trust security models.