CVE-2005-3524: Buffer overflow in the SSL-ready version of linux-ftpd (linux-ftpd-ssl) 0.17 allows remote attackers to execut

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HIGH 10.0WATCHLISTDOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-3524 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 10.0) affecting linux-ftpd-ssl. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Buffer overflow in the SSL-ready version of linux-ftpd (linux-ftpd-ssl) 0.17 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by creating a long directory name, then executing the XPWD command.

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference
On your watchlist

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	10.0 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	21.5% (top 2%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-11-07
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: linux-ftpd-ssl

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-11-07 02:02 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

linux-ftpd-ssl linux-ftpd-ssl DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.17

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.17

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy linux-ftpd-ssl || rpm -q linux-ftpd-ssl || linux-ftpd-ssl --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.17 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison linux-ftpd-ssl sudo apt install linux-ftpd-ssl=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.17> sudo apt-mark hold linux-ftpd-ssl

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

dnf --showduplicates list linux-ftpd-ssl sudo dnf downgrade linux-ftpd-ssl-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.17> sudo dnf versionlock add linux-ftpd-ssl

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: linux-ftpd-ssl 0.17 - 'MKD'/'CWD' Remote Code Execution

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-2005-3524?

linux-ftpd-ssl: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-3524 being exploited?

CVE-2005-3524 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-2005-3524 affect?

CVE-2005-3524 affects linux-ftpd-ssl. Severity is high (CVSS 10.0). Buffer overflow in the SSL-ready version of linux-ftpd (linux-ftpd-ssl) 0.17 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by creating a long directory name, then executing the XPWD command.

How urgent is CVE-2005-3524?

Priority 69/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 2%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; On your watchlist

Related CVEs

CVE-2006-5778 MEDIUM 4.6 DOWNGRADE ftpd in linux-ftpd 0.17, and possibly other versions, performs a chdir before setting the UID, which allows lo

References

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