CVE-2012-0160 in .NET Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.0 SP3, 1.1 SP1, 2.0 SP2, 3.0 SP2, 3.5 SP1, 3.5.1, and 4 does not properly serialize input data, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via (1) a crafted XAML browser application (aka XBAP) or (2) a crafted .NET Framework application, aka ".NET Framework Serialization Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The CVE-2012-0160 vulnerability represents a critical serialization flaw within Microsoft .NET Framework versions spanning from 1.0 through 4.0, where the framework fails to properly validate and sanitize input data during the serialization process. This vulnerability specifically targets the .NET Framework's handling of data serialization mechanisms, which are fundamental components used by applications to convert objects into serializable formats and back again. The flaw manifests when the framework processes untrusted input data through its serialization routines, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject crafted payloads that can be executed with the privileges of the running application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary vectors that leverage the framework's trust model and serialization handling capabilities. Attackers can craft malicious XAML browser applications or .NET Framework applications that contain specially formatted serialized data structures designed to trigger the vulnerable serialization code path. When these applications attempt to deserialize the malicious input, the .NET Framework's serialization engine fails to properly validate the data structure, allowing arbitrary code execution to occur. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-502, which specifically addresses deserialization of untrusted data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage through .NET framework exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote code execution attacks without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges beyond what the application normally possesses. The vulnerability affects all supported versions of the .NET Framework, making it particularly dangerous as it could potentially impact thousands of applications running on various systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code on target systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack surface is broad since any application that utilizes .NET Framework serialization functionality and accepts untrusted input could be vulnerable, including web applications, desktop applications, and service applications. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple framework versions demonstrates the fundamental nature of the serialization flaw, making it a critical target for exploitation across various environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0160 should focus on both immediate patching and architectural defenses. Microsoft released security updates addressing this vulnerability through Windows Update and the Microsoft Security Response Center, which should be deployed immediately across all affected systems. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and application whitelisting to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation at application boundaries, disabling unnecessary serialization functionality, and monitoring for suspicious deserialization activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper validation of untrusted data, particularly in frameworks that handle serialization operations. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection measures and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their .NET Framework applications. Given the broad scope of affected versions, comprehensive vulnerability management programs should include regular assessment of .NET Framework usage across all systems and applications to ensure complete remediation of this and related serialization vulnerabilities.