CVE-2010-1829 in Mac OS X
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in AFP Server in Apple Mac OS X 10.5.8 and 10.6.x before 10.6.5 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code by creating files that are outside the bounds of a share.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1829 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Apple Mac OS X AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) server implementation. This security weakness exists in Mac OS X versions 10.5.8 and 10.6.x prior to 10.6.5, where authenticated remote attackers can exploit improper input validation mechanisms to manipulate file paths and execute arbitrary code on the target system. The flaw specifically affects the AFP server component that handles network file sharing operations, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate path validation within the AFP server's file handling routines, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths through specially crafted file names or directory structures. When an authenticated user creates or modifies files within an AFP share, the server fails to properly sanitize the input paths, enabling attackers to traverse beyond the intended share boundaries. This directory traversal capability can be exploited to create, modify, or delete files in directories outside the designated share scope, potentially leading to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the file system level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to compromise the underlying operating system and potentially establish persistent access.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1829 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems with the privileges of the AFP server process. This capability can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and establishment of backdoors for continued unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects enterprise environments where Mac OS X servers are used for file sharing, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive corporate data and disrupt business operations. Network administrators face significant challenges in identifying and mitigating this threat, as it requires careful monitoring of AFP share activities and proper system patching to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability's authentication requirement reduces its attack surface compared to unauthenticated exploits, but still poses a serious risk to organizations with compromised user accounts or insider threats.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1829 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and system hardening measures. Apple released security updates for Mac OS X 10.6.5 and later versions that address this vulnerability by implementing proper input validation and path sanitization within the AFP server component. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems to prevent exploitation, while also implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit AFP server exposure. Additional defensive measures include monitoring AFP server logs for suspicious file creation patterns, implementing least privilege access controls for AFP shares, and conducting regular security assessments of file sharing configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) when exploited for code execution. System administrators should also consider disabling AFP services when not required and implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.