Description
SQL injection vulnerability in the PostgreSQL authentication module (mod_sql_postgres) for ProFTPD before 1.2.9rc1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL and gain privileges by bypassing authentication or stealing passwords via the USER name.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 3.0 | proftpd | 1.2.4+1.2.5rc1-5woody2 | DSA-338 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Exploit-DB 1
- ProFTPd 1.2.9 RC1 - 'mod_sql' SQL Injection EDB-43 · remote · Jun 19, 2003 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-338 proftpd - SQL injection Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- 20030618 SQL Inject in ProFTPD login against Postgresql using mod_sql mailing-list
- DSA-338 vendor-advisory