CVE-2010-0501 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in FTP Server in Apple Mac OS X Server before 10.6.3 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files via crafted filenames.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0501 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the FTP server component of Apple Mac OS X Server versions prior to 10.6.3. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied filenames during FTP operations. The flaw specifically affects the File Transfer Protocol implementation that serves as a core networking service within the macOS server environment, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Apple's server infrastructure for file sharing and data management.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated remote users submit specially crafted filenames that contain directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. These malicious inputs bypass normal file access controls and allow attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries of the FTP server's file system hierarchy. The vulnerability resides in the server's file handling logic where it fails to properly validate or canonicalize file paths before accessing underlying filesystem resources. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to read sensitive system files, configuration data, and user information stored on the server. Remote authenticated users can leverage this flaw to access files that should remain restricted, including system configuration files, user credentials, application data, and potentially sensitive organizational information. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of the server environment, as attackers can not only read files but may also potentially execute arbitrary code if they can manipulate files in writable directories. This represents a significant threat to organizations using Mac OS X Server for file sharing services, particularly those with insufficient network segmentation or monitoring controls.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of Apple's security updates for Mac OS X Server 10.6.3 and subsequent releases. The patch addresses the core path validation logic within the FTP server implementation and includes enhanced input sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attempts. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring controls to detect anomalous FTP access patterns and consider disabling unnecessary FTP services when alternative secure file transfer protocols such as SFTP or FTPS are available. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems and ensure proper access controls are implemented for all file sharing services. The remediation process should include verification of the update installation and confirmation that FTP services operate correctly without the vulnerability.