MediumPublic exploit

Stack-based buffer overflow in FreeFloat FTP Server 1.0.0 USER command

IdentifiersCVE-2012-10023CWE-121· Stack-based Buffer Overflow

CVE-2012-10023 is a stack-based buffer overflow in FreeFloat FTP Server version 1.0.0. The vulnerability is caused by improper validation of input supplied to the USER command. By sending an overly long username string during authentication, a remote attacker can overflow a stack-allocated buffer and overwrite adjacent memory. This memory corruption condition can crash the service and, depending on exploitability and target conditions, may allow arbitrary code execution in the context of the FTP server process.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation can result in denial of service through process crash and may permit remote arbitrary code execution if the attacker is able to reliably control overwritten stack memory and redirect execution flow. The impact is therefore potentially complete compromise of the affected service, including execution of attacker-controlled code with the privileges of the FreeFloat FTP Server process.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

Restrict network access to the FTP service to trusted hosts only, disable the service if it is not required, and place the server behind network filtering to limit exposure to untrusted remote users. Deploy host- and network-based monitoring to detect malformed or excessively long USER commands, and use exploit mitigations available on the host platform where possible. Because the issue is reachable pre-authentication, exposure reduction is the primary mitigation when patching is not possible.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade to a fixed version of FreeFloat FTP Server if one is available from the vendor. If no patched release is available, discontinue use of version 1.0.0 and replace it with a maintained FTP server implementation that properly bounds-checks USER command input. Validate that any replacement or updated deployment is not reachable with the vulnerable code path.

PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos.

VALID 1 / 1 TOTALView more in app

freefloatftp_user.rbMaturityWeaponizedFrameworkmetasploitVerified exploit

This repository contains a single Metasploit module (modules/exploits/windows/ftp/freefloatftp_user.rb) that exploits a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in Free Float FTP Server (CVE-2012-10023). The exploit targets the USER command, sending a specially crafted username to overflow the stack and execute arbitrary code. The module is weaponized, allowing the attacker to select a payload (such as a reverse shell) up to 444 bytes, which is delivered as part of the exploit. The exploit is designed for Windows XP SP3 running the vulnerable FTP server, and operates over the network via the FTP protocol (TCP port 21). The module includes a check method to verify if the target is running Free Float FTP Server by examining the FTP banner. The code is written in Ruby and follows the standard Metasploit module structure, making it easy to use within the Metasploit Framework.

Disclosed Jun 12, 2012rubynetwork

EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType

FreefloatFreefloat Ftp Serverapplication

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

ACTIVITY FEED

Recent activity

3 sources tracked across advisories and community write-ups. News coverage will land here when it surfaces.

3 SOURCESView more in app

No news coverage yet. Advisories and community discussion only.

What this page doesn’t show

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Exposure mapping

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Threat actor evidence

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity3