CVE-2010-1898 in .NET Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The Common Language Runtime (CLR) in Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP1, 2.0 SP2, 3.5, 3.5 SP1, and 3.5.1, and Microsoft Silverlight 2 and 3 before 3.0.50611.0 on Windows and before 3.0.41130.0 on Mac OS X, does not properly handle interfaces and delegations to virtual methods, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a crafted XAML browser application (aka XBAP), (2) a crafted ASP.NET application, or (3) a crafted .NET Framework application, aka "Microsoft Silverlight and Microsoft .NET Framework CLR Virtual Method Delegate Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-1898 represents a critical security flaw within the Common Language Runtime (CLR) of Microsoft .NET Framework versions 2.0 SP1, 2.0 SP2, 3.5, 3.5 SP1, and 3.5.1, as well as Microsoft Silverlight 2 and 3 before specific patch versions. This issue stems from improper handling of interfaces and delegations to virtual methods within the CLR execution environment, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability affects both Windows and Mac OS X platforms, with different patch version requirements for each operating system, demonstrating the complexity of cross-platform security remediation efforts. The flaw specifically impacts applications that utilize XAML browser applications (XBAP), ASP.NET applications, and .NET Framework applications, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where these technologies are extensively deployed.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the CLR's insufficient validation of method calls when interfaces and virtual methods are involved in delegation scenarios. When a .NET application executes code that involves interface implementation and virtual method invocation, the runtime should properly verify the legitimacy and safety of these operations. However, the flawed implementation allows attackers to craft malicious applications that exploit the delegation mechanism to bypass normal security boundaries. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer, as the runtime fails to properly restrict method invocation sequences that could lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates at the foundational level of the .NET Framework's runtime execution model, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional application-level security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to compromise systems running affected .NET Framework versions through multiple attack vectors. The three primary attack scenarios - crafted XAML browser applications, malicious ASP.NET applications, and compromised .NET Framework applications - represent different exploitation pathways that could affect various deployment models. XAML browser applications, which are designed to run within web browsers, provide a particularly attractive target for attackers due to their ability to execute in trusted contexts while maintaining access to system resources. ASP.NET applications, which form the backbone of many enterprise web solutions, could be exploited to gain elevated privileges and potentially compromise entire application servers. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of .NET Framework technologies across enterprise environments, where patch management cycles may be lengthy and incomplete, leaving systems exposed for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require comprehensive patch management across all affected Microsoft .NET Framework versions and Silverlight implementations. Organizations should prioritize immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates, particularly for the specific patch versions mentioned in the vulnerability description, ensuring that both Windows and Mac OS X systems receive appropriate remediation. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, particularly for applications that cannot be immediately patched. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would align with techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1203 Exploitation for Client Execution, as attackers would leverage the runtime vulnerability to execute malicious code within the context of legitimate applications. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous behavior in .NET application execution, particularly around interface and delegate usage patterns, while incident response procedures must account for the potential for privilege escalation and lateral movement through compromised applications.