CVE-2007-0041 in NET Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The PE Loader service in Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 for Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, and Vista allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors involving an "unchecked buffer" and unvalidated message lengths, probably a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0041 resides within the PE Loader service component of Microsoft .NET Framework versions 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 running on Windows operating systems including Windows 2000, XP, Server 2003, and Vista. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote code execution through unspecified attack vectors involving buffer management issues. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the framework's loading process, creating opportunities for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted payloads.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The PE Loader service processes portable executable files and maintains an unchecked buffer that fails to validate message lengths before processing incoming data. This unchecked buffer condition creates a predictable attack surface where attackers can manipulate input parameters to exceed allocated buffer boundaries, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes malformed or specially crafted executable files that trigger the buffer overflow condition during the loading phase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple Windows platforms and .NET Framework versions, creating widespread exposure for systems running affected software stacks. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The remote execution capability means that attackers do not require local access to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where .NET Framework applications are deployed. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation would allow attackers to execute malicious code within the target environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-0041 should prioritize immediate patching of affected .NET Framework installations through Microsoft security updates. Organizations must ensure comprehensive deployment of the relevant security patches across all affected systems, particularly those running legacy Windows versions that may not receive extended support. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of .NET Framework applications to untrusted networks. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and bounds checking in security-critical components, reinforcing principles from the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks that emphasize proper memory management and validation of all external inputs. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized code and reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters.