CVE-2023-42657: In WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.4 and 8.8.2, a directory traversal vulnerability was discovered. An

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CRITICAL 9.9UPGRADE

CVE-2023-42657 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.9) affecting ws ftp server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

In WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.4 and 8.8.2, a directory traversal vulnerability was discovered. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to perform file operations (delete, rename, rmdir, mkdir) on files and folders outside of their authorized WS_FTP folder path. Attackers could also escape the context of the WS_FTP Server file structure and perform the same level of operations (delete, rename, rmdir, mkdir) on file and folder l

Why this priority

Critical severity
EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.9 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	16.0% (top 3%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2023-09-27
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Progress Software Corporation · Vendor: progress

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-09-27 15:19 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:24 UTCUpdated Record last modified

progress ws ftp server UPGRADE

Affected: < 8.7.4 · >= 8.8.0 and < 8.8.2

Fixed in: 8.7.4, 8.8.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.8.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy ws-ftp-server || rpm -q ws-ftp-server || ws-ftp-server --version

2. UPGRADE to 8.7.4 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade ws-ftp-server

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade ws-ftp-server

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.8.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison ws-ftp-server sudo apt install ws-ftp-server=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.8.0> sudo apt-mark hold ws-ftp-server

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list ws-ftp-server sudo dnf downgrade ws-ftp-server-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.8.0> sudo dnf versionlock add ws-ftp-server

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-2023-42657?

ws ftp server: upgrade to 8.7.4, 8.8.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-42657 being exploited?

CVE-2023-42657 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-2023-42657 affect?

CVE-2023-42657 affects ws ftp server. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.9). In WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.4 and 8.8.2, a directory traversal vulnerability was discovered. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to perform file operations (delete, rename, rmdir, mkdir) on files and folders outside

How urgent is CVE-2023-42657?

Priority 59/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 3%: very likely to be exploited

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-7745 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE In WS_FTP Server versions before 8.8.8 (2022.0.8), a Missing Critical Step in Multi-Factor Authentication of t
CVE-2024-7744 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE In WS_FTP Server versions before 8.8.8 (2022.0.8), an Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Direct
CVE-2024-1474 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE In WS_FTP Server versions before 8.8.5, reflected cross-site scripting issues have been identified on various
CVE-2023-42659 CRITICAL 9.1 UPGRADE In WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.6 and 8.8.4, an unrestricted file upload flaw has been identified
CVE-2023-40049 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE In WS_FTP Server version prior to 8.8.2, an unauthenticated user could enumerate files under the 'WebServ

References

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