CVE-2011-0664 in .NET Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP1 and SP2, 3.5 Gold and SP1, 3.5.1, and 4.0, and Silverlight 4 before 4.0.60531.0, does not properly validate arguments to unspecified networking API functions, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a crafted XAML browser application (aka XBAP), (2) a crafted ASP.NET application, (3) a crafted .NET Framework application, or (4) a crafted Silverlight application, aka ".NET Framework Array Offset Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2025
The CVE-2011-0664 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft's .NET Framework and Silverlight components that stems from improper argument validation within unspecified networking API functions. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of the .NET Framework including 2.0 SP1 and SP2, 3.5 Gold and SP1, 3.5.1, and 4.0, along with Silverlight 4 before version 4.0.60531.0, creating a wide attack surface that spans across different application types and deployment scenarios. The flaw manifests as a failure to properly validate input arguments passed to networking APIs, which creates opportunities for malicious code execution through various attack vectors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of array indices or offsets, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of proper bounds checking when processing network-related API calls, allowing attackers to manipulate array offsets or memory addresses through crafted input parameters. This improper validation occurs within the .NET Framework's networking stack where arguments are not sufficiently sanitized before being processed, potentially leading to buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects multiple versions and deployment models, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with diverse technology stacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0664 is severe and multifaceted, as it enables remote code execution through four distinct attack vectors that can compromise systems at different layers of application deployment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through crafted XAML browser applications (XBAP) which are designed to run within web browsers, making them particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where browser-based applications are common. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited through malicious ASP.NET applications that utilize .NET Framework networking components, as well as through crafted .NET Framework applications and Silverlight applications, creating multiple potential entry points for attackers. The remote execution capability means that adversaries can potentially compromise systems without requiring local access, making this vulnerability particularly attractive for large-scale attacks targeting .NET-based applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying Microsoft security updates and patches as soon as they become available, particularly focusing on the specific versions mentioned in the vulnerability description. Network segmentation and application whitelisting can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which applications can execute network-related functions within the .NET Framework. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at application layers can provide defense-in-depth measures, though the primary fix must come from Microsoft's official patches addressing the root cause in the framework's networking API argument validation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious network API calls and potential exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify systems running vulnerable versions of the .NET Framework or Silverlight components. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-129 and its relationship to ATT&CK techniques highlight the importance of addressing both the immediate security patching requirements and implementing broader security controls to prevent similar issues in other networking API implementations.