CVE-2025-5074 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in FreeFloat FTP Server version 1.0, specifically within an unspecified function of the PROMPT Command Handler component. This vulnerability allows an attacker to remotely send crafted input to the FTP server, causing a buffer overflow condition. Buffer overflows occur when data exceeds the allocated buffer size, potentially overwriting adjacent memory, which can lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, or system compromise. The vulnerability is exploitable without authentication or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). Although the CVSS score is 6.9 (medium severity), the vulnerability is classified as critical in the description, likely due to the potential for remote code execution. The vulnerability affects only version 1.0 of the FreeFloat FTP Server, a product used for file transfer services. No patches or fixes have been linked yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild at this time. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on May 22, 2025. Given the nature of FTP servers, which often run with elevated privileges and are exposed to the internet, this vulnerability represents a significant risk if exploited. The lack of authentication requirement and the remote attack vector increase the threat level, as attackers can attempt exploitation without prior access or user involvement. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or service disruption.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-5074 could be substantial, especially for those relying on FreeFloat FTP Server 1.0 for file transfer operations. Compromise of FTP servers can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of business processes, and lateral movement within networks. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government, where FTP servers are used for critical data exchange, may face data breaches or operational downtime. Additionally, exploitation could serve as a foothold for further attacks, including ransomware deployment or espionage. Given the remote and unauthenticated nature of the exploit, attackers can scan and target exposed FTP servers across Europe, increasing the risk of widespread incidents. The medium CVSS score suggests moderate difficulty in exploitation or limited impact scope, but the critical classification and remote exploitability warrant urgent attention. The absence of patches means organizations must rely on mitigation strategies to reduce exposure. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in regulatory non-compliance, reputational damage, and financial losses under European data protection laws such as GDPR.

1. Immediate mitigation should include disabling or restricting access to FreeFloat FTP Server 1.0 instances, especially those exposed to the internet. 2. Implement network-level controls such as firewall rules to limit FTP traffic to trusted IP addresses. 3. Employ intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) with signatures or anomaly detection capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting the PROMPT Command Handler. 4. Where possible, replace FreeFloat FTP Server 1.0 with updated, supported FTP server software that does not contain this vulnerability. 5. If upgrading or replacement is not immediately feasible, consider isolating the FTP server in a segmented network zone with strict access controls. 6. Monitor logs for unusual FTP commands or traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Educate IT staff to recognize signs of compromise related to FTP services. 8. Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving FTP server compromise. 9. Engage with the vendor or community to obtain patches or updates as they become available. 10. Consider deploying application-layer gateways or FTP proxies that can sanitize or block malicious commands targeting the vulnerable component.