CVE-2023-42659: In WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.6 and 8.8.4, an unrestricted file upload flaw has been identified

This month

CRITICAL 9.1UPGRADE

CVE-2023-42659 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.1) 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 8.7.6 and 8.8.4, an unrestricted file upload flaw has been identified. An authenticated Ad Hoc Transfer user has the ability to craft an API call which allows them to upload a file to a specified location on the underlying operating system hosting the WS_FTP Server application.

Why this priority

Critical severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.1 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 41%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-434
Published	2023-11-07
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

2023-11-07 16:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:24 UTCUpdated Record last modified

progress ws ftp server UPGRADE

Affected: < 8.7.6 · >= 8.8.0 and < 8.8.4

Fixed in: 8.7.6, 8.8.4

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 8.7.6 (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-2023-42659?

ws ftp server: upgrade to 8.7.6, 8.8.4. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-42659 being exploited?

CVE-2023-42659 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-2023-42659 affect?

CVE-2023-42659 affects ws ftp server. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.1). In WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.6 and 8.8.4, an unrestricted file upload flaw has been identified. An authenticated Ad Hoc Transfer user has the ability to craft an API call which allows them to upload a file to a specified locatio

How urgent is CVE-2023-42659?

Priority 47/100. Critical severity

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References

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