CVE-2009-0542
HighPublic exploitSQL injection vulnerability in ProFTPD Server 1.3.1 through 1.3.2rc2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a "%" (percent) character in the username, which introduces a "'" (single quote) character during variable substitution by mod_sql.
Published Feb 12, 2009 · Updated Aug 4, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2009-0542, DSA-1727-1, DSA-1730-1
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2009-0542 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v2) affecting Proftpd (Proftpd Project), proftpd-dfsg (debian), proftpd-devel (suse) and 7 more products.
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 74% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Proftpd 1.3.5b-2.5, proftpd-devel 1.3.5b-2.5, proftpd-dfsg 1.3.1-17lenny1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v2
7.5
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
74%
Higher than 99.4% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
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Description
SQL injection vulnerability in ProFTPD Server 1.3.1 through 1.3.2rc2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a "%" (percent) character in the username, which introduces a "'" (single quote) character during variable substitution by mod_sql.
Affected Products
23 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| ProftpdProftpd Project | 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.2_rc2 | 1.3.5b-2.5 |
| proftpd-dfsgdebian | See advisory | 1.3.2-1 |
| proftpd-develsuse | See advisory | 1.3.5b-2.5 |
| proftpd-docsuse | See advisory | 1.3.5b-2.5 |
| proftpd-langsuse | See advisory | 1.3.5b-2.5 |
Patched Releases
Proftpd
1.3.5b-2.5
proftpd-devel
1.3.5b-2.5
proftpd-dfsg
1.3.1-17lenny1, 1.3.1-17lenny2, 1.3.2-1
proftpd-doc
1.3.5b-2.5
proftpd-lang
1.3.5b-2.5
proftpd-ldap
1.3.5b-2.5
proftpd-mysql
1.3.5b-2.5
proftpd-pgsql
1.3.5b-2.5
proftpd-radius
1.3.5b-2.5
proftpd-sqlite
1.3.5b-2.5
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Feb 12, 2009
Last updated
Aug 4, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2009-0542
- exploitExploitDB-32798
- exploitExploitDB-8037
- otherhttp://bugs.proftpd.org/show_bug.cgi?id=3180
- other34268
FAQ
Common Questions.
SQL injection vulnerability in ProFTPD Server 1.3.1 through 1.3.2rc2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via a "%" (percent) character in the username, which introduces a "'" (single quote) character during variable substitution by mod_sql.
Affected: Proftpd (Proftpd Project) versions 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.2_rc2; proftpd-dfsg (debian); proftpd-devel (suse), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Proftpd 1.3.5b-2.5, proftpd-devel 1.3.5b-2.5, proftpd-dfsg 1.3.1-17lenny1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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