CVE-2012-0164 in .NET Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft .NET Framework 4 does not properly compare index values, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application hang) via crafted requests to a Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) application, aka ".NET Framework Index Comparison Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2021
The CVE-2012-0164 vulnerability represents a critical flaw in Microsoft .NET Framework 4 that specifically affects Windows Presentation Foundation applications. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of index value comparisons within the framework's internal mechanisms, creating a condition where malformed input can trigger application instability. The flaw manifests when WPF applications process crafted requests that contain specially constructed index values, leading to unpredictable behavior in the application's execution flow.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the framework's insufficient validation of index parameters during comparison operations. When a WPF application receives input that contains malformed index values, the comparison logic fails to properly handle edge cases or invalid inputs, resulting in the application entering an infinite loop or hanging state. This improper index handling creates a condition where the application's thread becomes unresponsive, effectively causing a denial of service scenario. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered remotely through network-based attacks, making it exploitable by attackers without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0164 extends beyond simple application unresponsiveness to encompass broader system availability concerns. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability can cause WPF applications to consume excessive CPU resources or become completely unresponsive, effectively denying service to legitimate users. The vulnerability affects any application built on the .NET Framework 4 that utilizes WPF components, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where such applications are commonly deployed. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt business operations, particularly in scenarios where WPF applications serve as critical components of user interfaces or data processing systems.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of index values in software implementations. The flaw demonstrates how inadequate input validation can lead to denial of service conditions in complex application frameworks. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks through application-level exploitation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Microsoft security updates, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for unusual application behavior patterns. Additionally, developers should review their WPF application code for proper input validation and implement defensive programming practices to prevent similar issues in custom implementations. The vulnerability underscores the importance of robust index validation in framework-level code and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of edge cases in application development lifecycle processes.