CVE-2019-7230 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability in the ABB IDAL FTP server allows attackers to crash the server or retrieve memory content from the stack by manipulating the username input.

Understanding CVE-2019-7230

The authentication process of the ABB IDAL FTP server is susceptible to a format string vulnerability that can be exploited to cause a denial of service or leak sensitive information.

What is CVE-2019-7230?

The issue arises from mishandling format strings in the username input during authentication, leading to server crashes or memory content leakage.

The Impact of CVE-2019-7230

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in a server crash or unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in the server's memory.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-7230

The technical aspects of the vulnerability provide insight into its nature and potential risks.

Vulnerability Description

The ABB IDAL FTP server fails to properly handle format strings in the username input, allowing attackers to crash the server or extract memory content.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: ABB IDAL FTP server
Vendor: ABB
Versions affected: All versions

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by using specific usernames like %s%p%x%d to crash the server or %08x.AAAA.%08x.%08x to retrieve memory content from the stack.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-7230 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or restrict access to the affected ABB IDAL FTP server until a patch is available.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the ABB IDAL FTP server to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to the server.

Patching and Updates

Check for security advisories from ABB and apply patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability.