basic-ftp: Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences
CVE-2026-39983 is a high-severity improper neutralization of CRLF sequences vulnerability in basic-ftp from Patrickjuchli, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected basic-ftp versions: < 5.2.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.22% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 83% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of basic-ftp you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patrickjuchli | basic-ftp | < 5.2.1 | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Developer Hub 1.8 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat Developer Hub 1.9 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat OpenShift AI (RHOAI) | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform 4 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Red Hat | Self-service automation portal 2 | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
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
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- LowPerformance or availability is reduced.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:H/A:L. Scored by CNA (github.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.6 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.6 | High | CNA |
Official description
basic-ftp is an FTP client for Node.js. Prior to 5.2.1, basic-ftp allows FTP command injection via CRLF sequences (\r\n) in file path parameters passed to high-level path APIs such as cd(), remove(), rename(), uploadFrom(), downloadTo(), list(), and removeDir(). The library's protectWhitespace() helper only handles leading spaces and returns other paths unchanged, while FtpContext.send() writes the resulting command string directly to the control socket with \r\n appended. This lets attacker-controlled path strings split one intended FTP command into multiple commands. This vulnerability is fixed in 5.2.1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences
The product uses CRLF (carriage return line feeds) as a special element, e.g. to separate lines or records, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes CRLF sequences from inputs.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Appropriately filter or quote CRLF sequences in user-controlled input.
More Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences vulnerabilities (CWE-93)
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
Advisories
- github.com/patrickjuchli/basic-ftp/security/advisories/GHSA-chqc-8p9q-pq6qExploit, Mitigation
Patches and release notes
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in basic-ftp
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of CRLF Sequences vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 8.6 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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