---
id: "CVE-2026-90863"
kind: "vulnerability"
aliases: ["CVE-2026-90863"]
title: "WS_FTP Server: delegated host administrators can run commands with elevated privileges"
severity: "critical"
cvss: 9.1
epss: null
exploited: false
status: "open"
category: "runtime"
products: []
ecosystems: []
tags: ["file-transfer", "runtime", "windows", "ws_ftp_server"]
not_affected_if: ["no-delegated-host-admins", "non-windows-install"]
published_at: "2026-10-29T16:20:04+00:00"
first_seen_at: "2026-10-29T16:26:01+00:00"
updated_at: "2026-10-29T16:27:49+00:00"
sources: [{"source": "nvd", "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-90863", "first_seen_at": "2026-10-29T16:26:01+00:00"}]
---

# WS_FTP Server: delegated host administrators can run commands with elevated privileges

WS_FTP Server on Windows lacks an authorization check in its administrative interface, so a delegated Host Administrator can act beyond their assigned scope. The sources say this could allow arbitrary command execution with elevated privileges and full compromise of the server.

_Summary, check and fix written by a model from the sources; labelled as such._

## How to check

- Check the installed WS_FTP Server version in the product's About or admin page; it is affected below `2024.0.7` and below `2025.0.4`
- List accounts holding the Host Administrator role and confirm they are only trusted staff

## Fix

- WS_FTP Server versions below `2024.0.7` and below `2025.0.4`: move to the fixed release for your branch (`2024.0.7` or `2025.0.4`)

## Timeline

- 2026-10-29T16:26:01+00:00 nvd https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-90863

## From the sources

Missing authorization in the administrative interface of Progress Software WS_FTP Server versions prior to 2024.0.7 and 2025.0.4 on Windows could allow a delegated Host Administrator to exceed their authorized scope, potentially enabling arbitrary command execution with elevated privileges and complete compromise of the underlying server.

---

_Free to read at a human pace. An API with keys and an MCP server are in preparation; early access: hello@infrastack.ai_