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CVE-2023-53886VulnerabilityPublished

CVE-2023-53886: Xlightftpd Xlight FTP Server · Stack-based Buffer Overflow

Affects Xlightftpd Xlight FTP ServerSource CVE Database V5

0

Not known to be exploited · CVSS 5.7 Medium.

Data as of 25 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTC

CVSS 4.0 base score
5.7Medium
How severe the flaw is on the 0–10 CVSS scale.
EPSS
0.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 36% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
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

Exploitation evidence

  1. Disclosed: evidence found.

    CVE published 15 Dec 2025

  2. Detectable: no evidence on record.

    No public nuclei template indexed

  3. Weaponised: no evidence on record.

    No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB

  4. Exploited in the wild: no evidence on record.

    Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation

  5. Observed by OffSeq Mirage: no evidence on record.

    No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors

A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 2026-10-25.

What to do

Affected software

ProductAffectedFixed in
Xlightftpd Xlight FTP ServerAffected
  • =3.9.3.6
Fixed in–

AI-suggested

1. Restrict access to the 'Execute Program' configuration interface to trusted administrators only, using strong authentication and role-based access controls. 2. Monitor configuration changes and input lengths to detect abnormal or suspicious entries that could trigger the buffer overflow. 3. Implement network segmentation to limit local access to the FTP server configuration from untrusted users or systems. 4. Regularly audit and review FTP server configurations to ensure no unauthorized modifications are present. 5. Apply vendor patches or updates promptly once they become available to address this vulnerability. 6. Consider deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS) or endpoint protection solutions that can alert on unusual process crashes or configuration changes. 7. Educate administrators about the risks of buffer overflow vulnerabilities and safe configuration practices. 8. If possible, migrate to alternative FTP server software with a stronger security track record or more frequent updates.

Description

CVE-2023-53886 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability found in Xlight FTP Server version 3.9.3.6. The flaw exists in the 'Execute Program' configuration, where an attacker can cause a denial of service by inserting 294 characters, leading to application crash. Exploitation requires local access with low privileges and user interaction, making remote exploitation less likely. The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.0 base score of 5.7, indicating medium severity. No known exploits are currently in the wild, and no patches have been published yet.

References

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