# CVE-2026-44060: Netatalk integer underflow in dsi_writeinit

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-44060-netatalk-integer-underflow-in-dsi-writeinit  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-05-21. Updated: 2026-05-21  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-44060 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.5 · Published 2026-05-21

Netatalk is an open-source implementation of the Apple Filing Protocol (AFP), which allows Unix-like systems to serve as file servers for macOS clients. A flaw in how the software handles incoming data requests allows an unauthenticated attacker to overwhelm the server, leading to a denial of service. This can disrupt file-sharing operations and prevent legitimate users from accessing stored data.

Technologies: [Netatalk](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/netatalk). Vendors: [Netatalk](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/netatalk).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-44060 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-44060 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-44060?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.5, published 21 May 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Netatalk 1.5.0 through 4.4.2.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-44060?** A patch was published on 2026-05-21: Version 4.4.3 released with fix Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-44060 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-44060?** Check whether you run Netatalk at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Technical details

An integer underflow vulnerability exists in the dsi_writeinit() function within Netatalk's Data Stream Interface (DSI) handling. The flaw is caused by a missing bounds check that leads to a miscalculation of incoming payload sizes. An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this by sending specially crafted packets, forcing the 'afpd' process to spend excessive time receiving data, effectively causing a denial of service. While the issue does not lead to memory corruption or remote code execution, it can be triggered in pre-authentication protocol states. The vulnerability is fixed in version 4.4.3.

## Affected products

- Netatalk Netatalk 1.5.0 through 4.4.2

## Timeline

- 2026-05-13: disclosed: Initial disclosure date reported by vendor
- 2026-05-21: advisory: NVD publication date
- 2026-05-21: patched: Version 4.4.3 released with fix

## References

- [https://netatalk.io/security/CVE-2026-44060](https://netatalk.io/security/CVE-2026-44060)

## Related threats

- [Netatalk afpd stack buffer overflow in deletedir()](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-45698-netatalk-afpd-stack-buffer-overflow-in-deletedir)
- [Netatalk afpd stack buffer overflow in copydir()](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-45699-netatalk-afpd-stack-buffer-overflow-in-copydir)
- [Netatalk TOCTOU race condition in ad_flush](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-7837-netatalk-toctou-race-condition-in-ad-flush)
- [Netatalk missing break statement in DSI OpenSession](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-44075-netatalk-missing-break-statement-in-dsi-opensession)
- [Netatalk incorrect calculation in ACL error handling](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-44074-netatalk-incorrect-calculation-in-acl-error-handling)