#VU81274 Deserialization of Untrusted Data in WS_FTP - CVE-2023-40044

Vulnerability identifier: #VU81274

Vulnerability risk: Critical

CVSSv4.0: 9.3 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:A/U:Red]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-40044

CWE-ID: CWE-502

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: Yes

Vulnerable software:
WS_FTP
Server applications / File servers (FTP/HTTP)

Vendor: Progress Software Corporation

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to insecure input validation when processing serialized data within the Ad Hoc Transfer module. A remote attacker can send specially crafted data to the server and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

WS_FTP: 7.0 - 8.8.1

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External links
https://community.progress.com/s/article/WS-FTP-Server-Critical-Vulnerability-September-2023

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

Yes. This vulnerability is being exploited in the wild.