CVE-2022-23124 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 get_finderinfo 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-15870.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2026
The CVE-2022-23124 vulnerability represents a critical buffer over-read flaw in Netatalk, a widely deployed open-source implementation of the AppleTalk protocol suite that provides file and printer sharing services for macOS and Unix systems. This vulnerability resides within the get_finderinfo method, which handles requests for Finder information metadata associated with files and directories. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing, creating a dangerous condition where maliciously crafted input can cause the application to read memory beyond the boundaries of allocated buffer structures. This particular vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read, which is a common class of memory safety issues that can lead to information disclosure and potentially more severe exploitation outcomes. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its accessibility since no authentication is required to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where unauthenticated attackers can readily target vulnerable systems. The attack vector specifically targets the AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) service which is commonly exposed to external networks, providing an attractive target for remote exploitation attempts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends specially crafted requests to the Netatalk service that trigger the get_finderinfo method with malformed input data. When the application processes this input without proper bounds checking, it accesses memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries, potentially reading sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. This read past the end of buffer condition can expose confidential information such as memory contents, cryptographic keys, session tokens, or other sensitive data that may be stored in nearby memory locations. The exposure of such information can provide attackers with valuable insights for further exploitation attempts, including potential credential theft or system state information that could be leveraged to escalate privileges. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) as attackers can use the information disclosure to gather system information and potentially extract authentication credentials from memory. The lack of authentication requirements means that this vulnerability can be exploited from any network location without prior access or credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Netatalk services are exposed to untrusted networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-23124 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the vulnerability creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks that could lead to complete system compromise. While the immediate effect may be data exposure, the vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation exists when combined with other exploitation techniques, as the read past the end of buffer can potentially reveal memory layout information that attackers can use to craft more effective exploits. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of Netatalk, typically those that implement AFP services and process user requests through the get_finderinfo method. This impacts organizations using Netatalk for file sharing services, particularly in environments where the service is exposed to the internet or untrusted networks. The vulnerability's presence in widely deployed software means that numerous systems across different organizations could be simultaneously vulnerable, creating a significant risk for coordinated attacks. Organizations that have not patched their Netatalk installations remain at risk of exploitation, with potential consequences including unauthorized data access, service disruption, and in worst-case scenarios, complete system compromise where attackers can execute arbitrary code with root privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-23124 focus on immediate patching of vulnerable Netatalk installations to address the buffer over-read condition in the get_finderinfo method. System administrators should prioritize updating to patched versions of Netatalk that contain proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms to prevent the out-of-bounds read condition. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to AFP services, particularly when they are exposed to untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface for exploitation attempts. The implementation of network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify suspicious AFP traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling AFP services if they are not required, as this eliminates the attack vector entirely and reduces the overall security surface of affected systems. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities in Netatalk installations and ensure that proper security configurations are maintained. The vulnerability's classification as a critical issue under industry security frameworks emphasizes the importance of immediate remediation, as the combination of remote exploitability and lack of authentication requirements makes it particularly dangerous for organizations that have not yet applied the necessary security updates to their Netatalk implementations.