CVE-1999-0950: Buffer overflow in WFTPD FTP server allows remote attackers to gain root access via a series of MKD and CWD co

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HIGH 10.0DOWNGRADE

CVE-1999-0950 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting wftpd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in WFTPD FTP server allows remote attackers to gain root access via a series of MKD and CWD commands that create nested directories.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	8.1% (top 5%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	1999-10-28
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: texas imperial software

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

1999-10-28 04:00 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 21:49 UTCUpdated Record last modified

texas imperial software wftpd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.34 · 2.40

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.34

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy wftpd || rpm -q wftpd || wftpd --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.34 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison wftpd sudo apt install wftpd=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.34> sudo apt-mark hold wftpd

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list wftpd sudo dnf downgrade wftpd-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.34> sudo dnf versionlock add wftpd

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: WFTPD 2.34/2.40/3.0 - Remote Buffer Overflow (PoC)
Exploit-DB: WFTPD 2.34/2.40/3.0 - Remote Buffer Overflow

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-1999-0950?

wftpd: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-1999-0950 being exploited?

CVE-1999-0950 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-1999-0950 affect?

CVE-1999-0950 affects wftpd. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Buffer overflow in WFTPD FTP server allows remote attackers to gain root access via a series of MKD and CWD commands that create nested directories.

How urgent is CVE-1999-0950?

Priority 64/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 5%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

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References

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