HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2003-0831
CRITICALPOC

CVE-2003-0831

CWE-119Published: November 17, 2003· Updated: Jun 16, 2026

9.0
CVSS v3.1

Official Description

ProFTPD 1.2.7 through 1.2.9rc2 does not properly translate newline characters when transferring files in ASCII mode, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a buffer overflow using certain files.

NVD Source

Technical Analysis

CVE-2003-0831 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2003-0831. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-119): Buffer overflow vulnerabilities can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service by corrupting adjacent memory.

CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown

Exploitability
Attack VectorNetwork
Attack ComplexityLow
Privileges Req.
User Interaction
Scope
Impact
ConfidentialityC
IntegrityC
AvailabilityC
AV:N/AC:L/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C

Affected Vendors & Products

proftpd_project1 product(s)
proftpd
Source: NVD CPE · 9 total CPE entries

Exploit & PoC Resources

POC AVAILABLEProof-of-concept code exists
External links open in a new tab. Always verify in a controlled environment before use.

All References (18)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2003-0831
CVSS Score9.0 / 10
SeverityCRITICAL
WeaknessCWE-119
CISA KEVNo
ExploitPOC
Affected1 vendor(s)
PublishedNov 17, 2003

Related CVEs (CWE-119)

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2003-0831 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.