WS_FTP Server: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-84295 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in WS_FTP Server from Progress Software, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 10.0 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 2024.0.6, 2025.0.3 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 0.55% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update WS_FTP Server to 2024.0.6 or 2025.0.3, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progress Software | WS_FTP Server | before 2024.0.6; before 2025.0.3 | 2024.0.6, 2025.0.3 |
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
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (progress.com).
Official description
Improper authentication in Progress Software WS_FTP Server versions prior to 2024.0.6 and 2025.0.3 on Windows could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to access sensitive information, including administrative credentials.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
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 Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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