Executive brief
Netatalk, an open-source implementation of the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) used to share files with macOS clients, contains a vulnerability that allows users to read files they should not have access to. By creating specially crafted links, an authorized user can trick the server into accessing files outside of the designated shared folder. This could lead to the exposure of sensitive system files or data belonging to other users on the server.
Technical details
A vulnerability exists in Netatalk's AFP daemon (afpd) due to improper link resolution (CWE-59) during metadata handling. An authenticated remote attacker can manipulate AFP metadata to replace a regular file with a symbolic link whose target is derived from attacker-controlled file contents. Because the application fails to validate that the resulting symlink remains within the defined share boundary, the attacker can gain unauthorized read access to arbitrary files on the host filesystem. The issue affects versions 3.0.2 through 4.4.2 and is resolved in version 4.4.3. A temporary workaround involves setting 'follow symlinks = no' in the global configuration.
Affected products
- Netatalk Netatalk 3.0.2 through 4.4.2
Timeline
- 2026-05-13: disclosed: Initial disclosure date reported by vendor
- 2026-05-21: advisory: CVE published and NVD record created
- 2026-05-21: patched: Fixed in Netatalk version 4.4.3