CVE-2009-0542: SQL injection vulnerability in ProFTPD Server 1.3.1 through 1.3.2rc2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitr

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2009-0542 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting proftpd. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

SQL injection vulnerability in ProFTPD Server 1.3.1 through 1.3.2rc2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a "%" (percent) character in the username, which introduces a "'" (single quote) character during variable substitution by mod_sql.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
Public exploit reference

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

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	73.8% (top 1%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-89
Published	2009-02-12
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

2009-02-12 16:30 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 23:05 UTCUpdated Record last modified

proftpd project proftpd DOWNGRADE

Affected: 1.3.1 · 1.3.2 · 1.3.2_rc2

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.

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: ProFTPd - 'mod_mysql' Authentication Bypass
Exploit-DB: ProFTPd 1.3 - 'mod_sql' 'Username' SQL Injection

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-2009-0542?

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

Is CVE-2009-0542 being exploited?

CVE-2009-0542 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-2009-0542 affect?

CVE-2009-0542 affects proftpd. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). SQL injection vulnerability in ProFTPD Server 1.3.1 through 1.3.2rc2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a "%" (percent) character in the username, which introduces a "'" (single quote) character during variable su

How urgent is CVE-2009-0542?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference

Software pages

ProFTPD vulnerabilities

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References

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