# CVE-2023-40044: Progress WS_FTP Server Deserialization of Untrusted Data Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2023-40044-progress-ws-ftp-server-deserialization-of-untrusted-data  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2023-10-05. Updated: 2026-05-09  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2023-40044 · Severity: critical · CVSS 10 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2023-10-05

A .NET deserialization vulnerability in the Ad Hoc Transfer module of Progress WS_FTP Server allows a pre-authenticated attacker to execute remote commands on the underlying operating system. The vulnerability is exploited by sending specially crafted untrusted data to the server.

Technologies: [Progress WS FTP Server](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/ws-ftp-server). Vendors: [Progress](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/progress).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2023-40044 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2023-40044 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 5 October 2023. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2023-40044?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 10, published 5 October 2023.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Progress Software Corporation WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.4 and 8.8.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2023-40044?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2023-40044 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2023-40044?** Check whether you run Progress WS FTP Server. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Progress Software Corporation WS_FTP Server versions prior to 8.7.4 and 8.8.2

## Timeline

- 2023-10-05: disclosed
- 2023-10-05: kev added: Added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog

## Related threats

- [Progress WS_FTP Server insufficient encryption in communications](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-115338-insufficient-protection-of-communications-in-progress-ws-ftp)
- [Progress WS_FTP Server access control bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-115337-improper-access-control-in-progress-ws-ftp-server-versions-prior)