CVE-2010-3958 in .NET Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The x86 JIT compiler in Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP2, 3.5 SP1, 3.5.1, and 4.0 does not properly compile function calls, 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 ".NET Framework Stack Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3958 represents a critical stack corruption flaw within the x86 Just-In-Time compiler component of Microsoft .NET Framework versions 2.0 Service Pack 2, 3.5 Service Pack 1, 3.5.1, and 4.0. This issue stems from improper handling of function calls during the JIT compilation process, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects applications running on the .NET Framework runtime environment and manifests when malicious code is processed through the JIT compiler's compilation pipeline. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the execution flow of applications by corrupting the stack memory structure, which is fundamental to program execution and memory management within the .NET runtime environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which represents improper validation of array indices, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The JIT compiler's failure to properly validate function call parameters during compilation creates opportunities for attackers to craft malicious inputs that, when processed by the compiler, result in stack corruption. This corruption allows attackers to overwrite memory locations and potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through multiple attack vectors including XAML browser applications, ASP.NET applications, and direct .NET Framework applications, making it a widespread threat across different application types within the .NET ecosystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3958 is severe and far-reaching, as it can be exploited remotely without requiring user interaction or specific privileges. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems running affected .NET Framework versions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects web applications hosted on ASP.NET servers, client applications running XBAPs, and any .NET Framework applications that process untrusted input through the JIT compiler. This makes it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where .NET Framework applications are commonly deployed across various system types and network configurations, potentially allowing attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3958 should prioritize immediate patch deployment through Microsoft's security updates, as the vulnerability was addressed through official security patches released in 2010. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of .NET Framework applications to untrusted inputs. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary .NET Framework features, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for suspicious JIT compilation activities. Security professionals should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting the JIT compiler. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates the critical nature of runtime environment security, particularly in frameworks that dynamically compile code during execution. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected .NET Framework versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure and business criticality.