Globalscape EFT: Uncontrolled Recursion
CVE-2023-2990 is a high-severity uncontrolled recursion vulnerability in Globalscape EFT from Fortra, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 8.1.0.16 as the first without the flaw, so updating Globalscape EFT to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.9% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 60% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Globalscape EFT to 8.1.0.16 or a later version.
- Update Eft Server to 8.1.0.16 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on kb.globalscape.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortra | Globalscape EFT | 8.0.0 up to, but not including, 8.1.0.16 | 8.1.0.16 |
| Globalscape | Eft Server | before 8.1.0.16 | 8.1.0.16 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
Official description
Fortra Globalscape EFT versions before 8.1.0.16 suffer from a denial of service vulnerability, where a compressed message that decompresses to itself can cause infinite recursion and crash the service
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Uncontrolled Recursion
The product does not properly control the amount of recursion that takes place, consuming excessive resources, such as allocated memory or the program stack.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Ensure that an end condition will be reached under all logic conditions. The end condition may include checking against the depth of recursion and exiting with an error if the recursion goes too deep. The complexity of the end condition contributes to the effectiveness of this action.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- rapid7.com/blog/post/2023/06/22/multiple-vulnerabilities-in-fortra-globalscape-eft-administration-server-fixe…Exploit, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Globalscape EFT
- 9.1 Critical severity
Recent Uncontrolled Recursion vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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