CVE-2007-5197 in Mono
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the Mono.Math.BigInteger class in Mono 1.2.5.1 and earlier allows context-dependent attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors related to Reduce in Montgomery-based Pow methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5197 resides within the Mono runtime environment's mathematical library implementation, specifically within the Mono.Math.BigInteger class. This flaw affects Mono versions 1.2.5.1 and earlier, representing a critical security weakness that could potentially allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable Mono implementations. The vulnerability manifests through buffer overflow conditions that occur during cryptographic operations involving modular exponentiation using Montgomery reduction methods, which are fundamental components in many cryptographic protocols and security implementations.
The technical flaw occurs within the Reduce method of Montgomery-based power operations, where insufficient input validation and boundary checking leads to memory corruption. When processing large integer values during modular exponentiation, the BigInteger class fails to properly validate array bounds or buffer sizes, resulting in data being written beyond allocated memory regions. This buffer overflow condition creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially overwrite critical program structures, function pointers, or return addresses. The vulnerability's context-dependent nature means that exploitation requires specific conditions related to the input data being processed and the cryptographic operations being performed, making it more challenging to exploit but still highly dangerous when successful.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous applications that rely on Mono's cryptographic capabilities, including web applications, network services, and security tools that utilize RSA, DSA, or other public-key cryptography algorithms. Attackers could leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized code execution privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. The vulnerability affects any application that employs cryptographic operations using the affected Mono version, particularly those implementing secure communications, digital signatures, or authentication mechanisms. Systems running vulnerable Mono implementations remain at risk until patched, as the flaw exists at the core mathematical library level rather than in application code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5197 primarily involve upgrading to Mono versions 1.2.6 or later, where the buffer overflow conditions have been addressed through improved input validation and memory management. Organizations should also implement runtime monitoring and input sanitization measures to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across all Mono-based systems and applications to identify potential exposure points. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute malicious code within the target environment. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting other components of the Mono runtime ecosystem.