CVE-2000-0346 is a vulnerability affecting AppleShare IP versions 6.1 through 6.3, which are network file-sharing services provided by Apple. The flaw allows a remote attacker to exploit the web server component of AppleShare IP by sending an invalid HTTP range request. This malformed request enables the attacker to read potentially sensitive information from the server without authentication. The vulnerability arises because the server improperly handles range requests, which are normally used to request partial content. By crafting an invalid range header, an attacker can bypass normal access controls and retrieve data that should not be accessible remotely. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality but does not affect integrity or availability. Exploitation requires no authentication and can be performed remotely over the network, making it relatively easy to exploit if the vulnerable service is exposed. However, there are no known exploits in the wild, and Apple has released patches to address this issue. The CVSS v2 score is 5.0 (medium severity), reflecting the moderate impact and ease of exploitation without authentication but limited to information disclosure only.

For European organizations, the primary impact of this vulnerability is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information hosted on AppleShare IP servers. This could include internal documents, configuration files, or other data stored on the file-sharing service. Such information leakage can lead to further targeted attacks, espionage, or compliance violations, especially for organizations handling personal data under GDPR. Since the vulnerability does not allow modification or disruption of services, the risk is confined to confidentiality breaches. Organizations in sectors such as government, research, finance, and healthcare, which may use AppleShare IP for internal file sharing, could be particularly at risk. Exposure of sensitive data could damage reputation, lead to regulatory penalties, and facilitate subsequent attacks. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but unpatched systems remain vulnerable to opportunistic attackers scanning for this flaw.

Organizations should immediately verify if AppleShare IP versions 6.1, 6.2, or 6.3 are in use within their network environments. If so, they must apply the official patches provided by Apple, available at the referenced update links. Beyond patching, network administrators should restrict access to AppleShare IP services by implementing firewall rules that limit inbound connections to trusted internal networks only, preventing exposure to the internet. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for unusual or malformed HTTP range requests can help detect attempted exploitation. Disabling unnecessary web server components within AppleShare IP, if feasible, reduces the attack surface. Regular audits of file-sharing services and configurations should be conducted to ensure no legacy vulnerable versions remain active. Finally, organizations should educate IT staff about this vulnerability and maintain an inventory of legacy Apple services to facilitate timely patch management.