CVE-2009-1236
CWE-119Published: April 2, 2009· Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Official Description
Heap-based buffer overflow in the AppleTalk networking stack in XNU 1228.3.13 and earlier on Apple Mac OS X 10.5.6 and earlier allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (system crash) via a ZIP NOTIFY (aka ZIPOP_NOTIFY) packet that overwrites a certain ifPort structure member.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2009-1236 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
A proof-of-concept (PoC) exploit exists for CVE-2009-1236. While not yet confirmed in active campaigns, the availability of PoC code increases exploitation risk substantially.
From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-119): Buffer overflow vulnerabilities can lead to arbitrary code execution or denial of service by corrupting adjacent memory.
CVSS v3.1 Vector Breakdown
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (10)
Quick Facts
Related CVEs (CWE-119)
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2009-1236 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts