CVE-2024-48651
Published: 29 November 2024
Summary
CVE-2024-48651 is a high-severity Incorrect Authorization (CWE-863) vulnerability. Its CVSS base score is 7.5 (High).
Operationally, ranked in the top 2.8% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Deeper analysis
ProFTPD through version 1.3.8b is affected by an authorization flaw (CVE-2024-48651) in which the mod_sql module fails to supply supplemental groups during user authentication. As a result, processes inherit unintended group membership that includes GID 0, granting broader filesystem access than the configured SQL-based user records intend. The issue is tracked under CWE-863 and carries a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5.
An unauthenticated network attacker can connect to an affected ProFTPD server and obtain read access to resources protected by GID 0 without supplying valid credentials for those resources. Exploitation requires only network reachability and does not depend on user interaction or elevated privileges on the client side.
The referenced commit cec01cc restores proper supplemental-group handling for mod_sql users. Debian’s LTS advisory of November 2024 confirms that updated packages containing the fix are available for affected releases, and administrators are advised to apply the patch or upgrade to a build that includes the change. The EPSS score stands at 0.3659 with no material upward movement after disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2024-43211
Vulnerability details
In ProFTPD through 1.3.8b before cec01cc, supplemental group inheritance grants unintended access to GID 0 because of the lack of supplemental groups from mod_sql.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
No named actor attribution yet. ATT&CK technique mapping in progress for this CVE.
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Periodic review and update of procedures reduces incorrect authorization implementations over time.
Supervision identifies cases where authorization logic incorrectly permits unauthorized actions.
Defining permitted attribute values and auditing modifications reduces the chance of incorrect authorization outcomes due to tampered or missing labels.
The authorization process and usage restrictions help prevent incorrect authorization for remote access types.
Establishing configuration and connection requirements helps ensure correct rather than incorrect authorization for wireless access.
Establishing connection authorization processes for mobile devices helps ensure authorization decisions are correctly implemented rather than incorrect.
Monitoring account use, notifying on changes, and reviewing accounts for compliance corrects incorrect authorization assignments.
Ensures authorization decisions for external system use are correctly implemented and enforced.