CVE-2012-0015 in .NET Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP2 and 3.5.1 does not properly calculate the length of an unspecified buffer, 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 Heap Corruption Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0015 represents a critical heap corruption issue within Microsoft .NET Framework versions 2.0 Service Pack 2 and 3.5.1. This flaw stems from improper buffer length calculation during the processing of specific application types, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects applications that utilize XAML browser applications, ASP.NET applications, and .NET Framework applications, making it particularly dangerous due to its broad attack surface across multiple application categories.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the .NET Framework's memory management system where buffer length calculations are not properly validated during the processing of crafted input data. When the framework encounters maliciously constructed XAML browser applications, ASP.NET applications, or .NET Framework applications, the improper buffer handling leads to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code. This heap corruption vulnerability operates at a fundamental level within the runtime environment, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures and potentially gain complete system control. The flaw is categorized under CWE-122 as "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" which is a well-known class of vulnerabilities that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and threat intelligence reports.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0015 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to perform sophisticated attacks that can compromise entire systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability through various attack vectors including malicious web applications, trusted application deployments, or even through social engineering techniques that trick users into executing compromised applications. The vulnerability's classification under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as part of the "Exploitation for Execution" tactic demonstrates how attackers can use heap corruption flaws to establish persistent access and move laterally within compromised networks. Organizations running affected .NET Framework versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications and enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0015 primarily focus on immediate patch deployment and application hardening measures. Microsoft released security updates that address the buffer calculation flaw in affected .NET Framework versions, and organizations should prioritize applying these patches to prevent exploitation. Additionally, network segmentation and application whitelisting can provide additional layers of defense by limiting the attack surface and preventing unauthorized applications from executing. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious application behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around memory allocation and buffer operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices within application frameworks, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in the wild.