CVE-2018-1160 in netatalk
Summary
by MITRE
Netatalk before 3.1.12 is vulnerable to an out of bounds write in dsi_opensess.c. This is due to lack of bounds checking on attacker controlled data. A remote unauthenticated attacker can leverage this vulnerability to achieve arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1160 affects Netatalk versions prior to 3.1.12 and represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw in the DSI (Data Stream Interface) implementation. This vulnerability exists within the dsi_opensess.c source file where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite memory regions beyond intended boundaries. The flaw specifically manifests when processing network requests from unauthenticated remote attackers, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no prior authentication credentials to exploit. The root cause aligns with CWE-787, which describes out-of-bounds writes that occur when a program writes data past the end of a buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution on affected systems, representing a severe privilege escalation risk. The out-of-bounds write condition allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program structures, function pointers, or return addresses, thereby enabling code injection attacks. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. The flaw's impact extends beyond simple denial of service as it provides a pathway for complete system compromise, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking persistent access to network services.
Systems running vulnerable Netatalk versions face significant operational risks, particularly in environments where AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) services are exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability affects network file sharing services that implement the DSI protocol, which is commonly used for Apple-compatible file sharing and can be found in various network-attached storage solutions, backup systems, and file servers. Organizations with exposed AFP services are particularly at risk as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. The exploitation chain typically involves sending specially crafted network packets that trigger the buffer overflow during session establishment, making detection difficult as legitimate traffic patterns may be obscured by the attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of all affected Netatalk installations to version 3.1.12 or later, which contains the necessary bounds checking fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to AFP services to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems that monitor for anomalous AFP traffic patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual session establishment patterns and memory corruption indicators that may precede successful exploitation. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates comprehensive network security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify all potentially exposed systems, with particular attention to legacy systems that may not receive regular security updates. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls and disabling AFP services where they are not strictly required for business operations.