CVE-2023-53886CWE-121

Xlight FTP Server 3.9.3.6 Stack Buffer Overflow Vulnerability via Execute Program

Medium · published December 15, 2025

CVSS v4.0
5.1
EPSS
0%
Percentile
35.7
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A single extra character is all it takes to bring down Xlight FTP Server! This stack buffer overflow vulnerability triggers a denial of service by overloading the program execution configuration with 294 characters. 😱 Think of it like a crowded elevator that can only hold a certain number of people—if one too many folks squeeze in, it stops functioning altogether. In this case, that excessive baggage leads to a crash! The consequence? Attackers could trigger this overflow with a simple adjustment, causing the server to crash and leaving users locked out. While this might not lead to a data breach, it can certainly disrupt operations and bring your file transfers to a screeching halt!

Put simply

Think of it like a crowded elevator that can only hold a certain number of people—if one too many folks squeeze in, it stops functioning altogether. In this case, that excessive baggage leads to a crash! This vulnerability in Xlight FTP Server 3.9.3.6 allows attackers to exploit the 'Execute Program' configuration by inserting an excessive number of characters, resulting in a stack buffer overflow that crashes the application.

What to do

The consequence? Attackers could trigger this overflow with a simple adjustment, causing the server to crash and leaving users locked out. While this might not lead to a data breach, it can certainly disrupt operations and bring your file transfers to a screeching halt! To safeguard your server, upgrade to the latest version of Xlight FTP Server that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, monitor configurations to ensure program executions don't exceed safe character limits. You've got this! By staying proactive, you can keep your server running smoothly and maintain your security hero status! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v4.0
5.1 · MEDIUM
Vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:A/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
EPSS
0.00425 · 35.7th percentile
Weakness
CWE-121 · Stack-based Buffer Overflow
Published
2025-12-15T20:28Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 15 DEC 20:28Z
    Xlight FTP Server 3.9.3.6 Stack Buffer Overflow Vulnerability via Execute Program
    cvelistv5