CVE-2009-2819 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
AFP Client in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 allows remote AFP servers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption and system crash) via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2819 represents a critical security flaw in the Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 operating system's AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) client implementation. This vulnerability resides within the client-side component responsible for establishing and maintaining connections with AFP servers, which are commonly used for file sharing in macOS environments. The issue stems from improper handling of data received from remote AFP servers, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors controlling AFP server infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core file sharing functionality that many macOS users rely on for networked file operations and collaborative work environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability manifests through memory corruption issues that occur when the AFP client processes data from remote servers. Attackers can craft malicious AFP server responses that trigger buffer overflows, use-after-free errors, or other memory management flaws within the client application. These memory corruption conditions can lead to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the AFP client, or alternatively cause system crashes and denial of service conditions that render the affected system unusable. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple attack paths exist within the AFP protocol implementation, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may be exploitable through various combinations of server responses and client processing logic. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read or write condition, and potentially CWE-787 for out-of-bounds write operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-2819 extends beyond simple system crashes to encompass significant security risks for macOS environments. Organizations relying on AFP for file sharing operations face potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and disruption of business operations. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where users frequently connect to remote AFP servers, such as corporate networks, educational institutions, or any setting where macOS systems interact with networked file servers. When exploited, the vulnerability can result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to establish persistent access, exfiltrate data, or deploy additional malicious payloads. The remote nature of the attack means that users do not need physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where networked file sharing is common. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in the context of privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2819 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as Apple released security updates addressing this vulnerability in subsequent macOS versions. Network administrators should implement firewall rules to restrict AFP traffic where possible, particularly blocking connections to untrusted AFP servers. Organizations should also consider disabling AFP client functionality when it is not required, using network segmentation to isolate systems that must connect to AFP servers, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual AFP traffic patterns. System hardening practices including regular security updates, user access controls, and network monitoring should be enhanced to reduce the attack surface. Additionally, security awareness training for users about the risks of connecting to untrusted file servers can help prevent exploitation through social engineering or phishing attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in network protocols and highlights the need for robust memory safety practices in client applications that process untrusted data from remote sources.