CVE-2024-0546 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in EasyFTP version 1.7.0, related to the LIST Command Handler component. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-404, which pertains to improper resource shutdown or release, leading to a denial of service (DoS) condition. Specifically, the issue arises from improper handling of certain LIST command inputs, which can be manipulated remotely by an unauthenticated attacker without user interaction. Exploiting this vulnerability causes the EasyFTP service to become unavailable, disrupting normal FTP operations. Although the exact technical mechanism of the flaw is not detailed, the vulnerability allows an attacker to send crafted LIST commands that cause the server to mishandle resources, resulting in a crash or hang. The vulnerability has been publicly disclosed but no known exploits are currently observed in the wild. No patches or fixes have been published yet, which means affected systems remain vulnerable. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.3, reflecting a network attack vector with low complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed, but limited to availability impact only (no confidentiality or integrity impact).

For European organizations using EasyFTP 1.7.0, this vulnerability poses a risk of service disruption due to denial of service attacks. FTP servers often support critical file transfer operations in enterprise environments, including data exchange, backups, and legacy system integrations. A successful DoS attack could interrupt business processes, cause operational delays, and potentially impact dependent services. While the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact can affect sectors relying on continuous FTP availability, such as manufacturing, logistics, and financial services. The lack of authentication requirement and ease of exploitation increase the risk of opportunistic attacks, especially in environments where EasyFTP servers are exposed to the internet or untrusted networks. Given the absence of known exploits in the wild, the immediate threat level is moderate, but the public disclosure and lack of patching mean that attackers could develop exploits, increasing future risk.

European organizations should immediately assess their exposure to EasyFTP 1.7.0 instances, particularly those accessible from external networks. As no official patches are currently available, temporary mitigations include restricting network access to the FTP server using firewalls or VPNs to limit exposure to trusted users only. Implement network-level intrusion detection or anomaly detection systems to monitor for unusual LIST command traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Consider disabling or restricting the LIST command functionality if feasible within operational requirements. Organizations should also plan to upgrade or replace EasyFTP with a more secure and actively maintained FTP solution once a patch or update addressing CVE-2024-0546 is released. Regularly monitor vulnerability advisories for updates or patches. Additionally, maintain robust incident response procedures to quickly address any service disruptions caused by attempted exploitation.