CVE-2011-1977 in .NET Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The ASP.NET Chart controls in Microsoft .NET Framework 4, and Chart Control for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, do not properly verify functions in URIs, which allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via special characters in a URI in an HTTP request, aka "Chart Control Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/12/2025
The CVE-2011-1977 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Microsoft's ASP.NET Chart controls that affects multiple versions of the .NET Framework including version 4.0 and 3.5 SP1. This vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of function parameters within URI processing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through carefully crafted HTTP requests. The flaw specifically targets the chart control components that handle data visualization, making it particularly dangerous in web applications that rely heavily on dynamic chart generation and data presentation. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive files from the server filesystem through manipulation of URI parameters containing special characters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the ASP.NET Chart controls process incoming HTTP requests containing specially crafted URI sequences that contain special characters designed to traverse directory structures or access restricted files. The flaw exists in the way the chart controls parse and validate URI components, failing to properly sanitize or verify the legitimacy of function names and file paths contained within the request parameters. This improper verification mechanism enables attackers to inject malicious sequences that cause the system to interpret and process unintended file paths, ultimately leading to unauthorized file disclosure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as a "Path Traversal" attack vector, where the attacker manipulates the input to access files outside the intended directory structure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for Data from Information Repositories.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1977 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system files, configuration data, application source code, or database connection strings that could be leveraged for further exploitation. Attackers can use this vulnerability to gain insights into the target system's architecture, potentially identifying other vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the overall security posture. The vulnerability affects web applications built on ASP.NET frameworks that utilize chart controls for data visualization, making it particularly relevant in enterprise environments where such components are commonly deployed. Organizations running affected versions of the .NET Framework and ASP.NET Chart controls are at risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations if sensitive information is accessed through this vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1977 should include immediate application of Microsoft security patches and updates, particularly the cumulative updates released for the affected .NET Framework versions. Organizations should implement input validation controls at the application level to sanitize URI parameters and prevent malicious sequences from reaching the chart control components. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering out suspicious URI patterns and preventing exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected chart controls within their applications and ensure proper configuration of file access controls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices, particularly in validation and sanitization of user inputs, as emphasized in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are maintained for chart control functionality.