CVE-2008-4242: ProFTPD 1.3.1 interprets long commands from an FTP client as multiple commands, which allows remote attackers

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MEDIUM 6.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2008-4242 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting proftpd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

ProFTPD 1.3.1 interprets long commands from an FTP client as multiple commands, which allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks and execute arbitrary FTP commands via a long ftp:// URI that leverages an existing session from the FTP client implementation in a web browser.

Why this priority

EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
EPSS exploit chance	7.1% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-352
Published	2008-09-25
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: proftpd project

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2008-09-25 19:25 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:57 UTCUpdated Record last modified

proftpd project proftpd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.3.1

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.3.1

1. Check installed version

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

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.3.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison proftpd sudo apt install proftpd=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3.1> sudo apt-mark hold proftpd

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

dnf --showduplicates list proftpd sudo dnf downgrade proftpd-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.3.1> sudo dnf versionlock add proftpd

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.

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-2008-4242?

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

Is CVE-2008-4242 being exploited?

CVE-2008-4242 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-2008-4242 affect?

CVE-2008-4242 affects proftpd. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). ProFTPD 1.3.1 interprets long commands from an FTP client as multiple commands, which allows remote attackers to conduct cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks and execute arbitrary FTP commands via a long ftp:// URI that leverages an ex

How urgent is CVE-2008-4242?

Priority 52/100. EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

ProFTPD vulnerabilities

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References

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