CVE-2019-5429 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability in FileZilla versions prior to 3.41.0-rc1 allows unauthorized parties to elevate their privileges by using a fraudulent 'fzsftp' binary file placed in the user's folder.

Understanding CVE-2019-5429

What is CVE-2019-5429?

This CVE refers to an untrusted search path vulnerability in FileZilla before version 3.41.0-rc1, enabling attackers to gain elevated privileges through a malicious 'fzsftp' binary in the user's home directory.

The Impact of CVE-2019-5429

The vulnerability allows unauthorized parties to escalate their privileges, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-5429

Vulnerability Description

Type: Untrusted Search Path (CWE-426)
Description: Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges by placing a malicious binary file in the user's home directory.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: FileZilla
Vendor: FileZilla
Affected Version: 3.41.0-rc1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by placing a fraudulent 'fzsftp' binary file in the user's folder, leveraging the untrusted search path vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FileZilla to version 3.41.0-rc1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for unauthorized changes in the user's home directory.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement proper file system permissions to restrict unauthorized access.
Educate users about the risks of executing files from untrusted sources.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by FileZilla promptly to address known vulnerabilities.