CVE-2005-0256

CVE-2005-0256 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Washington University Wu-ftpd with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.0. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-119.

Key facts

• Severity: Medium (CVSS 2.0 base score 5.0)
• EPSS exploit prediction: 5% (91st percentile)
• Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
• Weakness: CWE-119
• Affected product: Washington University Wu-ftpd
• Published: 2005-05-02
• Last modified: 2026-06-16

Description

The wu_fnmatch function in wu_fnmatch.c in wu-ftpd 2.6.1 and 2.6.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU exhaustion by recursion) via a glob pattern with a large number of * (wildcard) characters, as demonstrated using the dir command.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2005-0256?

The wu_fnmatch function in wu_fnmatch.c in wu-ftpd 2.6.1 and 2.6.2 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (CPU exhaustion by recursion) via a glob pattern with a large number of * (wildcard) characters, as demonstrated using the dir command.

How severe is CVE-2005-0256?

CVE-2005-0256 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 5.0, rated medium severity.

Is CVE-2005-0256 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 5% (91st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2005-0256?

CVE-2005-0256 primarily affects Washington University Wu-ftpd. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2005-0256?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2005-0256 published?

CVE-2005-0256 was published on 2005-05-02 and last updated on 2026-06-16.

References

• ftp://ftp.sco.com/pub/updates/OpenServer/SCOSA-2005.63/SCOSA-2005.63.txt
• http://itrc.hp.com/service/cki/docDisplay.do?docId=c00637342
• http://secunia.com/advisories/14411
• http://secunia.com/advisories/18210
• http://secunia.com/advisories/19561
• http://sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do?assetkey=1-26-101699-1
• http://sunsolve.sun.com/search/document.do?assetkey=1-26-57795-1
• http://www.debian.org/security/2005/dsa-705
• http://www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=207&type=vulnerabilities
• http://www.osvdb.org/14203
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2005/0588
• http://www.vupen.com/english/advisories/2006/1271
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A1265
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A1333
• https://oval.cisecurity.org/repository/search/definition/oval%3Aorg.mitre.oval%3Adef%3A1762

Affected products (2)

• cpe:2.3:a:washington_university:wu-ftpd:2.6.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:washington_university:wu-ftpd:2.6.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Washington University Wu-ftpd

• CVE-2004-0185 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Buffer overflow in the skey_challenge function in ftpd.c for wu-ftp daemon (wu-ftpd) 2.6.2 allows remote attackers to…
• CVE-2001-0187 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Format string vulnerability in wu-ftp 2.6.1 and earlier, when running with debug mode enabled, allows remote attackers…
• CVE-1999-0878 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Buffer overflow in WU-FTPD and related FTP servers allows remote attackers to gain root privileges via MAPPING_CHDIR.
• CVE-1999-0368 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Buffer overflows in wuarchive ftpd (wu-ftpd) and ProFTPD lead to remote root access, a.k.a. palmetto.
• CVE-1999-0080 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Certain configurations of wu-ftp FTP server 2.4 use a _PATH_EXECPATH setting to a directory with dangerous commands,…
• CVE-2003-1327 — Critical (CVSS 9.3): Buffer overflow in the SockPrintf function in wu-ftpd 2.6.2 and earlier, when compiled with MAIL_ADMIN option enabled…

All CVEs affecting Washington University Wu-ftpd →

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Browse all CWE-119 (Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer) vulnerabilities →