CVE-2022-23123 in Netatalk
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2023
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of Netatalk. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the getdirparams method. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-15830.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2026
The CVE-2022-23123 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overread flaw within the Netatalk file sharing implementation that affects remote attackers without requiring authentication. This vulnerability resides in the getdirparams method of the Netatalk service, which is commonly used for AppleTalk networking and file sharing in Unix environments. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation of user-supplied data, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted input can cause the application to read memory beyond the bounds of allocated buffer space. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-125 category of out-of-bounds read, which is classified as a serious memory safety issue that can lead to information disclosure and potentially arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates without requiring any authentication credentials, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the affected service.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting specific input parameters that trigger the buffer overread condition within the getdirparams method. When the Netatalk service processes these malformed inputs, it attempts to read data from memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information such as stack contents, heap data, or other process memory. This information disclosure can reveal critical system details including memory addresses, cryptographic keys, or other confidential data that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's potential for escalation to arbitrary code execution in root context is particularly concerning as it could allow attackers to gain complete control over the affected system. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a broader attack chain under techniques such as T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) when combined with other vulnerabilities present in the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-23123 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable full system compromise. Organizations running vulnerable Netatalk implementations are at risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on network shares, as well as potential privilege escalation to root level access. The vulnerability affects systems where Netatalk is configured to provide file sharing services, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks or the internet. This makes it especially dangerous in enterprise environments where file sharing services are commonly deployed. The lack of authentication requirement means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the network, potentially leading to widespread compromise of file servers and network resources. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate attention and remediation. The ZDI-CAN-15830 reference indicates that this vulnerability was recognized and catalogued by the Zero Day Initiative, highlighting its significance in the cybersecurity community and the need for prompt patching.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-23123 should focus on immediate patch application from the vendor, which typically involves updating to a version that includes proper input validation and buffer boundary checks. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Netatalk services, particularly if they are not essential to business operations. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious patterns related to the getdirparams method and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities in the same service or related components. The use of network firewalls to restrict access to Netatalk ports and services can provide temporary protection while patches are being deployed. Organizations should also consider disabling Netatalk services entirely if they are not required, as this eliminates the attack surface associated with this vulnerability. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory safety practices in network services, aligning with industry standards such as the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards and OWASP Top Ten security practices.