WS_FTP Server: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
CVE-2023-42659 is a high-severity unrestricted upload of file with dangerous type vulnerability in WS_FTP Server from Progress Software, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 8.8.4, 8.7.6 as the first without the flaw, so updating WS_FTP Server to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.08% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 66% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update WS_FTP Server to 8.8.4 or 8.7.6, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on community.progress.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progress Software | WS_FTP Server | 8.8.0 up to, but not including, 8.8.4; 8.7.0 up to, but not including, 8.7.6 | 8.8.4, 8.7.6 |
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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.1 | Critical | CNA (progress.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
In WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.6 and 8.8.4, an unrestricted file upload flaw has been identified. An authenticated Ad Hoc Transfer user has the ability to craft an API call which allows them to upload a file to a specified location on the underlying operating system hosting the WS_FTP Server application.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
The product allows the upload or transfer of dangerous file types that are automatically processed within its environment.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Generate a new, unique filename for an uploaded file instead of using the user-supplied filename, so that no external input is used at all.
- When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
- Consider storing the uploaded files outside of the web document root entirely. Then, use other mechanisms to deliver the files dynamically.
More Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerabilities (CWE-434)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
- progress.com/ws_ftpProduct
Other vulnerabilities in WS_FTP Server
- 7.7 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
Recent Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
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