CVE-2024-38441 in Netatalk
Summary
by MITRE • 06/16/2024
Netatalk 3.2.0 has an off-by-one error and resultant heap-based buffer overflow because of setting ibuf[len] to '\0' in FPMapName in afp_mapname in etc/afp/directory.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-38441 affects Netatalk version 3.2.0 and represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow condition stemming from an off-by-one error in the FPMapName function. This flaw exists within the file etc/afp/directory.c where the ibuf[len] is explicitly set to null terminator character '', creating a situation where memory access exceeds allocated boundaries. The issue manifests during AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) name mapping operations when processing file and directory names through the AFP service interface.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper bounds checking within the buffer management logic. When the FPMapName function processes incoming name data, it attempts to set a null terminator at position ibuf[len] without first verifying that this position actually exists within the allocated buffer space. This off-by-one error creates a condition where a heap buffer overflow occurs, potentially allowing malicious actors to overwrite adjacent memory regions. The vulnerability specifically targets the ibuf buffer allocation and demonstrates a classic memory safety issue that can lead to arbitrary code execution or service disruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-38441 extends beyond simple service availability concerns as it presents a significant security risk to systems running vulnerable Netatalk versions. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems, escalate privileges, or cause denial of service conditions that would compromise the integrity of file sharing services. The AFP protocol implementation within Netatalk serves as a critical interface for macOS and iOS systems to access networked file shares, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where file sharing services are exposed to untrusted networks.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. The vulnerability also corresponds to CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds write conditions, and reflects common patterns found in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and execution categories. Organizations utilizing Netatalk services must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where AFP services are exposed externally or where sensitive data is stored on shared volumes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-38441 should prioritize immediate patching of affected Netatalk installations to version 3.2.1 or later where the buffer overflow has been corrected. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of AFP services to trusted internal networks only, while monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation controls, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for anomalous AFP traffic patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of file sharing services to identify potential attack vectors. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory management practices and input validation in preventing exploitation of buffer overflow conditions in network services.