CVE-1999-0878: Buffer Overflow

Published Aug 22, 1999
·
Updated

Buffer overflow in WU-FTPD and related FTP servers allows remote attackers to gain root privileges via MAPPINGCHDIR.

Affected Software

17 affected components
Beroftpd Beroftpd=1.3.2
Beroftpd Beroftpd=1.3.3
Beroftpd Beroftpd=1.3.4
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr4
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr5
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr6
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr8
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr9
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr10
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr11
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr12
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr13
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr14
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_beta18_vr15
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_vr16
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.4.2_vr17
Washington University Wu-ftpd=2.5

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Remove

    Remove wu-ftpd from your environment.

    Uninstall wu-ftpd if the FTP service is not required to eliminate the vulnerable software.

  2. Remove

    Remove beroftpd from your environment.

    Uninstall beroftpd if the FTP service is not required to eliminate the vulnerable software (listed as affected).

  3. Configuration

    Disable MAPPING_CHDIR in WU-FTPD to mitigate the buffer overflow that allows remote attackers to gain root privileges via MAPPING_CHDIR.

    WU-FTPD MAPPING_CHDIR = disabled
  4. Compensating control

    Restrict network access to FTP services (e.g., block or limit port 21 at the firewall, or allow only trusted IP addresses) to prevent remote exploitation until a fix is available.

  5. Operational

    Stop or disable the FTP service on affected hosts until fixes or mitigations are applied to prevent remote exploitation.

Event History

Aug 22, 1999
CVE Published
04:00 AM
Data Sourced
via NVD·04:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityAffected Software
Jan 4, 2000
CVE Published
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·10:00 AM
Description
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-1999-0878?

CVE-1999-0878 is considered a critical vulnerability that allows remote attackers to gain root privileges.

2

How do I fix CVE-1999-0878?

To fix CVE-1999-0878, upgrade to the latest version of WU-FTPD or affected software that patches the buffer overflow vulnerability.

3

What software is affected by CVE-1999-0878?

CVE-1999-0878 affects various versions of WU-FTPD and the beroftpd FTP server.

4

What type of vulnerability is CVE-1999-0878?

CVE-1999-0878 is a buffer overflow vulnerability that exploits the MAPPING_CHDIR function.

5

Can CVE-1999-0878 allow full server compromise?

Yes, CVE-1999-0878 can allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, potentially compromising the entire server.

Contact

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