CVE-2023-51713 : Security Advisory and Response

ProFTPD before 1.3.8a allows an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) by triggering a one-byte out-of-bounds read in the make_ftp_cmd function of main.c. This vulnerability leads to a daemon crash due to mishandling of quote/backslash semantics.

Understanding CVE-2023-51713

The CVE-2023-51713 vulnerability in ProFTPD exposes a critical issue that can be exploited to crash the daemon, causing a denial of service.

What is CVE-2023-51713?

The CVE-2023-51713 vulnerability is a one-byte out-of-bounds read issue in the make_ftp_cmd function of main.c in ProFTPD versions before 1.3.8a. It occurs due to improper handling of quote/backslash semantics, leading to a potential daemon crash.

The Impact of CVE-2023-51713

Exploitation of CVE-2023-51713 can result in a denial of service condition, causing the ProFTPD daemon to crash. This can disrupt FTP services and impact the availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-51713

The technical details of CVE-2023-51713 shed light on the specific aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a one-byte out-of-bounds read in the make_ftp_cmd function of main.c. The mishandling of quote/backslash semantics triggers the issue, leading to a crash of the ProFTPD daemon.

Affected Systems and Versions

All ProFTPD versions prior to 1.3.8a are affected by CVE-2023-51713. Users of these vulnerable versions are at risk of experiencing a denial of service attack.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit the CVE-2023-51713 vulnerability by manipulating certain parameters to trigger the one-byte out-of-bounds read, ultimately causing the ProFTPD daemon to crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-51713 requires immediate action to secure affected systems and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ProFTPD to version 1.3.8a or newer to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent a daemon crash.
Apply security patches promptly to protect the FTP service from potential DoS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories related to ProFTPD to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of security incidents on critical systems.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for updates and patches released by ProFTPD to address security vulnerabilities promptly and maintain a secure FTP environment.