FTP from my Linux server isn't working

[madaboutlinux]

This issue is driving me crazy from yesterday. Pure-Ftp on my VPS is working fine. I can connect to my server via Ftp from outside, however I cannot connect to 'localhost' or any remote server from my vps. It says

root@server [~]# ftp localhost
ftp: connect: Connection refused
ftp>

Same message even if I try to connect to a remote server.

Ftp is not running as xinetd, infact xinetd is completely stopped on my server.

Firewall is also not an issue, since I disabled it completely and tested.

The "bind" directive in pure-ftpd.conf is by default commented and should allow all connections.

I even removed Ftp from the VPS completely and reinstalled it again with no luck.

 

[madaboutlinux]

please share your ideas so I can solve the Ftp issue...

 

[cPanelKenneth]

Try connecting as a non-root user.

 

[madaboutlinux]

no luck, still the same message

[email protected] [~]# ftp localhost
ftp: connect: Connection refused
ftp>

 

[Miraenda]

Could you provide the output for the following:

lsof -i :21
netstat -an|grep :21

Also, if you are using iptables or anything for a firewall, please check in it for anything relating to port 21:

/sbin/iptables -n -L --line-number|grep :21

 

[madaboutlinux]

Yes, I have already checked it with lsof and netstat as well and the port is listening. And as said earlier, I even checked it by disabling the firewall.

I can connect to my server using Ftp from outside but not from within the VPS either to localhost OR any remote server.

 

[cPanelKenneth]

Yes, I have already checked it with lsof and netstat as well and the port is listening. And as said earlier, I even checked it by disabling the firewall.

I can connect to my server using Ftp from outside but not from within the VPS either to localhost OR any remote server.

Try using telnet:

root@tilly [~]# telnet localhost 21
Trying 127.0.0.1...
Connected to localhost (127.0.0.1).
Escape character is '^]'.
220---------- Welcome to Pure-FTPd [privsep] [TLS] ----------
220-You are user number 1 of 50 allowed.
220-Local time is now 15:27. Server port: 21.
220-IPv6 connections are also welcome on this server.
220 You will be disconnected after 15 minutes of inactivity.

Can you connect to the IP address? (i.e. ftp 127.0.0.1)

 

[rackaid]

Try ...

ping localhost

If this fails, then I suspect a DNS issue.

You will want to update your /etc/hosts file with:

127.0.0.1       localhost.localdomain localhost

Then try,

ping localhost

If it resolves, then you should be able to use your FTP.

 

[madaboutlinux]

Try using telnet:
Can you connect to the IP address? (i.e. ftp 127.0.0.1)

Try ...

ping localhost

I have tried all these things before posting here which is why I am pulling my hairs. BTW, here's the output for you:

root@server [~]# telnet localhost 21
Trying 127.0.0.1...
Connected to localhost.
Escape character is '^]'.
220---------- Welcome to Pure-FTPd [privsep] [TLS] ----------
220-You are user number 1 of 50 allowed.
220-Local time is now 22:52. Server port: 21.
220 You will be disconnected after 15 minutes of inactivity.

root@server [~]# ping localhost
PING localhost.localdomain (127.0.0.1) 56(84) bytes of data.
64 bytes from localhost.localdomain (127.0.0.1): icmp_seq=0 ttl=64 time=0.040 ms
64 bytes from localhost.localdomain (127.0.0.1): icmp_seq=1 ttl=64 time=0.045 ms

BTW, ftp to anything from my server doesn't work. See:

root@server [~]# ftp 127.0.0.1
ftp: connect: Connection refused
ftp>

 

[Miraenda]

Did you try checking with tcpdump or an strace on the process when you do it?

 

[madaboutlinux]

It turned out to be the /etc/services file where the port assigned to Ftp was 221.. not sure when I placed it there. But yes, as "Miraenda" suggested, strace helped to me track the issue. Thanks.

 

[Miraenda]

Glad you were able to track it down finally. Very bizarre the port would have gotten changed in /etc/services file.