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).
Affected products
proftpd: proftpd
References8
- github.com/proftpd/proftpd/issues/2052 ExploitIssue TrackingPatch
- github.com/ZeroPathAI/proftpd-CVE-2026-42167-poc ExploitThird Party Advisory
- zeropath.com/blog/proftpd-cve-2026-42167-auth-bypass-privesc-rce ExploitPress/Media CoverageThird Party Advisory
- github.com/ZeroPathAI/proftpd-CVE-2026-42167-poc ExploitThird Party Advisory
- www.proftpd.org/docs/RELEASE_NOTES-1.3.10rc1 Release Notes
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/4 Mailing List
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/13 Mailing List
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2026/05/01/4 Mailing List
Metrics
- CVSS 3.1
-
8.1
HIGH
Score source: CNA
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H - EPSS — exploit probability
- 7% percentile: 95 · as of 13 November 2026
- CWE
- CWE-89
Could this be exploited in your environment?
A patch closes the known hole. A penetration test shows what an attacker can still reach — with proof.