CVE-2010-4254 in Moonlight
Summary
by MITRE
Mono, when Moonlight before 2.3.0.1 or 2.99.x before 2.99.0.10 is used, does not properly validate arguments to generic methods, which allows remote attackers to bypass generic constraints, and possibly execute arbitrary code, via a crafted method call.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4254 affects the Mono runtime environment and its Moonlight implementation, specifically targeting versions prior to 2.3.0.1 and 2.99.x versions before 2.99.0.10. This issue represents a critical security flaw in the .NET runtime implementation that enables remote attackers to exploit improper argument validation within generic method invocations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that should enforce generic constraints during method execution, creating a pathway for malicious code execution through crafted method calls that bypass normal runtime safety checks.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of generic type arguments within the Mono runtime's method invocation system. When generic methods are called, the runtime should validate that provided type arguments meet the constraints defined in the method signature. However, in affected versions, this validation process fails to properly enforce these constraints, allowing attackers to pass invalid or unexpected type arguments that would normally be rejected. This weakness operates at the core of the runtime's type safety mechanisms, specifically impacting the generic type system that is fundamental to .NET applications and their security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to bypass generic constraints that would normally prevent execution of malicious code patterns, effectively allowing them to manipulate the runtime environment through carefully crafted method calls. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that malicious actors can potentially compromise systems without requiring local access, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where Mono-based applications are deployed.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," and represents a specific implementation flaw in the type system validation logic. The attack vector follows patterns consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, where the malicious input takes the form of crafted generic method arguments. Organizations using Mono with Moonlight should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where untrusted code execution is possible. The vulnerability affects both desktop and web applications that rely on the affected Mono runtime versions, potentially compromising the integrity of applications that depend on generic type safety for their security model.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected Mono runtime installations to versions 2.3.0.1 or 2.99.0.10 and later, which contain the necessary validation fixes. Additionally, organizations should implement runtime monitoring to detect anomalous generic method invocation patterns and consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of Mono-based applications and runtime environments should be conducted to identify similar validation weaknesses in custom implementations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date runtime environments and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of type system implementations in managed runtime environments.