CVE-2010-0533 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in AFP Server in Apple Mac OS X before 10.6.3 allows remote attackers to list a share root's parent directory, and read and modify files in that directory, via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0533 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Apple Mac OS X AFP Server component that existed prior to version 10.6.3. This weakness enables remote attackers to exploit the file sharing service and gain unauthorized access to directory structures beyond the intended share boundaries. The flaw specifically affects the Apple Filing Protocol server implementation which handles network file sharing operations in macOS environments. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and path resolution mechanisms within the AFP server implementation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file path references through network requests. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category for Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, commonly known as Path Traversal or Directory Traversal. The attack vector leverages the AFP protocol which is used for file sharing between macos systems and other networked devices, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where file sharing services are actively utilized.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts specific network requests that manipulate the AFP server's path resolution logic to traverse upward in the directory hierarchy beyond the intended share root. This allows the attacker to access parent directories of the configured share points, thereby gaining access to files and directories that should remain restricted. The vulnerability enables not only directory listing capabilities but also provides the ability to read and modify files within these unauthorized directories. Attackers can leverage this to access sensitive system files, configuration data, or user documents that exist outside the designated share boundaries. The exploitation process typically involves sending specially crafted AFP protocol commands that manipulate the server's internal path resolution functions to bypass normal access controls. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the AFP server's security model where proper boundary checking and path validation mechanisms were insufficient to prevent unauthorized access patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0533 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it creates a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks within macOS environments. Organizations running affected versions of Mac OS X are exposed to risks including data exfiltration, system compromise through access to critical configuration files, and potential privilege escalation opportunities. The vulnerability affects the core file sharing functionality of macOS systems, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access shared resources through AFP services. Network administrators face increased risk of unauthorized data access and potential system integrity compromise when AFP services are enabled on vulnerable systems. The impact is amplified in enterprise settings where macOS servers might be used for file sharing across departments or user groups, as a single compromised AFP service could provide access to sensitive corporate data residing in parent directories. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.001 for Application Layer Protocol: Web Protocols, as it exploits a network service that operates at the application layer, though specifically within the Apple Filing Protocol framework rather than standard web protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0533 primarily focus on upgrading affected systems to Apple Mac OS X 10.6.3 or later versions where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should disable AFP services on systems where they are not required, particularly in environments where the service is not essential for operations. Network segmentation and firewall rules can be implemented to restrict access to AFP ports, limiting exposure to internal networks only. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious AFP protocol activity and implementing proper access controls for shared resources can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The patch provided by Apple addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and path resolution checks within the AFP server implementation, ensuring that directory traversal attempts are properly rejected. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected AFP server versions and ensure comprehensive patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting their infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation in network services and highlights the critical nature of timely security updates in preventing exploitation of directory traversal vulnerabilities.