WS_FTP Server Ad Hoc Transfer Module .NET Deserialization Vulnerability
CVE-2023-40044

8.8HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor
CVE Published:
27 September 2023

Badges

💰 Ransomware👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC🟣 EPSS 94%🦅 CISA Reported📰 News Worthy

What is CVE-2023-40044?

A significant security vulnerability exists in the WS_FTP Server Ad Hoc Transfer module, affecting versions prior to 8.7.4 and 8.8.2. This vulnerability stems from improper .NET deserialization, allowing pre-authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the WS_FTP Server's operating system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control over affected systems. Immediate action is recommended to mitigate risks associated with this severe flaw.

CISA has reported CVE-2023-40044

CISA provides regional cyber and physical services to support security and resilience across the United States. CISA monitor the most dangerious vulnerabilities and have identifed CVE-2023-40044 as being exploited and is known by the CISA as enabling ransomware campaigns.

The CISA's recommendation is: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Affected Version(s)

WS_FTP Server 8.8.0

WS_FTP Server 8.8.0 < 8.8.2

WS_FTP Server 8.7.0 < 8.7.4

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

News Articles

WS_FTP flaw CVE-2023-40044 actively exploited in the wild

Experts warn of threat actors actively exploiting CVE-2023-40044 flaw in recently disclosed flaw in Progress Software’s WS_FTP products.

References

EPSS Score

94% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.

CVSS V3.1

Score:
8.8
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 💰

    Used in Ransomware

  • 🦅

    CISA Reported

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • 📰

    First article discovered by Security Affairs

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

Shubham Shah - Assetnote
Sean Yeoh - Assetnote
.