CVE-2026-42167
HighExploitedPublic exploitmod_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).
Published Apr 28, 2026 · Updated Aug 15, 2026 · Also known as DEBIAN-CVE-2026-42167, UBUNTU-CVE-2026-42167
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2026-42167 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.1 v3.1) affecting ProFTPD, proftpd-dfsg (debian), proftpd-devel (suse) and 7 more products.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jun 1, 2026. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 7.3% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including ProFTPD 1.3.9a-r0, ProFTPD 1.3.9b-r0, ProFTPD 1.3.9b-r1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
8.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
7.3%
Higher than 94.3% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2026-42167 brief as a PDF
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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).
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Jun 1, 2026 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
42 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| ProFTPDProftpd | >= 1.3.7b | 1.3.9b |
| proftpd-dfsgdebian | See advisory | 1.3.8+dfsg-4+deb12u5 |
| proftpd-develsuse | See advisory | 1.3.9c-1.1 |
| proftpd-docsuse | See advisory | 1.3.9c-1.1 |
| proftpd-langsuse | See advisory | 1.3.9c-1.1 |
Patched Releases
ProFTPD
1.3.9a-r0, 1.3.9b-r0, 1.3.9b-r1, 1.3.9b-r2, 1.3.9c-1.1, 1.3.9a, 1.3.9b
proftpd-devel
1.3.9c-1.1
proftpd-dfsg
1.3.8.c+dfsg-4+deb13u2, 1.3.8+dfsg-4+deb12u5, 1.3.9~dfsg-5
proftpd-doc
1.3.9c-1.1
proftpd-lang
1.3.9c-1.1
proftpd-ldap
1.3.9c-1.1
proftpd-mysql
1.3.9c-1.1
proftpd-pgsql
1.3.9c-1.1
proftpd-radius
1.3.9c-1.1
proftpd-sqlite
1.3.9c-1.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 28, 2026
Added to Industry KEV feed
Jun 1, 2026
Last updated
Aug 15, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://github.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/tree/main/cves/2026/42xxx/CVE-2026-42167.json
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-42167
- advisoryhttps://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2026-42167
- advisoryhttps://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2026-42167
- advisoryhttps://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-42167
FAQ
Common Questions.
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: ProFTPD versions >= 1.3.7b; proftpd-dfsg (debian); proftpd-devel (suse), among others. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Jun 1, 2026.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including ProFTPD 1.3.9a-r0, ProFTPD 1.3.9b-r0, ProFTPD 1.3.9b-r1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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