CVE-2026-42167

Proftpd remote code execution

8.1 HIGHPublic exploitEPSS 7.31%

Published28 Apr 2026

Description

mod_sql in ProFTPD before 1.3.9a allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a username, in scenarios where there is logging of USER requests with an expansion such as %U, and the SQL backend allows commands (e.g., COPY TO PROGRAM).

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork

Attack complexityHigh

Privileges requiredNone

User interactionNone

ScopeUnchanged

ConfidentialityHigh

IntegrityHigh

AvailabilityHigh

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Affected products

Proftpd≤ 1.3.9b

Remediation

No fixed version is recorded in the NVD data. Check the vendor advisory for the latest guidance.

Patch & vendor advisories

https://github.com/proftpd/proftpd/issues/2052

References

https://github.com/proftpd/proftpd/issues/2052ExploitIssue TrackingPatch
https://github.com/ZeroPathAI/proftpd-CVE-2026-42167-pocExploitThird Party Advisory
https://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/4Mailing List
https://zeropath.com/blog/proftpd-cve-2026-42167-auth-bypass-privesc-rceExploitPress/Media CoverageThird Party Advisory
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/13Mailing List
http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/4Mailing List
http://www.proftpd.org/docs/RELEASE_NOTES-1.3.10rc1Release Notes

Related CVEs

Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2026-42167 being actively exploited?

CVE-2026-42167 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. A public exploit reference exists, so treat it as exploitable. Its EPSS exploit probability is 7.31%.

How severe is CVE-2026-42167?

CVE-2026-42167 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1, rated high. EPSS estimates a 7.31% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2026-42167?

Affected products include Proftpd.

How do I fix CVE-2026-42167?

Apply the vendor's patch or advisory guidance, then verify no affected versions remain across your devices.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-42167 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

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Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.