CVE-2023-40044

In WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.4 and 8.8.2, a pre-authenticated attacker could leverage a .NET deserialization vulnerability in the Ad Hoc…

Browse: All 2023 CVEs · All vendors

CVSS score
10.0 Critical
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
CISA KEV
Yes — actively exploited (added 2023-10-05, remediation due 2023-10-26)
Ransomware
Known ransomware campaign use
Weakness (CWE)
CWE-502
Published
2023-09-27
Last modified
2026-06-17
NVD status
Analyzed

Description

In WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.4 and 8.8.2, a pre-authenticated attacker could leverage a .NET deserialization vulnerability in the Ad Hoc Transfer module to execute remote commands on the underlying WS_FTP Server operating system.

Affected products

Affected ranges per NVD CPE data; confirm exact versions in the vendor advisory.

Required action (CISA)

Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable. Federal remediation deadline: 2023-10-26.

How to prioritize this

This vulnerability is on the CISA KEV list, meaning it is being actively exploited — treat it as urgent regardless of the raw CVSS number. Use the live CVE lookup for the latest NVD data, and the CVSS 3.1 calculator to model your own environmental score.

References

FAQ

Is CVE-2023-40044 actively exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-40044 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog on 2023-10-05, with a federal remediation deadline of 2023-10-26. A KEV listing means real-world exploitation is confirmed, so patching this should be prioritized above many higher-CVSS bugs that aren't being exploited.

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2023-40044?

CVE-2023-40044 has a CVSS base score of 10.0 (Critical). Its vector string is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Related vulnerabilities

Data source: NVD & CISA KEV. Shown as-is; nothing added. Last generated from NVD data — re-check the live tool for updates.