CVE-2010-20103 ProFTPD 1.3.3c Backdoor Command Execution
Remote attackers can execute arbitrary shell commands with root privileges via a hidden backdoor in the ProFTPD FTP server.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2010-20103?
CVE-2010-20103 is a critical code injection vulnerability in ProFTPD (Professional FTP Daemon), published on 20 Aug 2025. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
A malicious backdoor was embedded in the official ProFTPD 1.3.3c source tarball distributed between November 28 and December 2, 2010. The backdoor implements a hidden FTP command trigger that, when invoked, causes the server to execute arbitrary shell commands with root privileges. This allows remote, unauthenticated attackers to run any OS command on the FTP server host.
Weakness: CWE-912
Which versions are affected by CVE-2010-20103?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Proftpd Proftpd.
How do I fix CVE-2010-20103?
No fix has been published for CVE-2010-20103 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and never evaluate templates, expressions or code built from user input. More about Code injection.
Is CVE-2010-20103 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2010-20103 exists.
Public exploit code: 1 Metasploit module and 1 Nuclei template.
Other vulnerabilities in ProFTPD (Professional FTP Daemon)
Sources
Also known as GHSA-xm7r-423x-5463.