CVE-2016-0149 in .NET Framework
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 SP2, 3.0 SP2, 3.5, 3.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, and 4.6.1 allows man-in-the-middle attackers to obtain sensitive cleartext information via vectors involving injection of cleartext data into the client-server data stream, aka "TLS/SSL Information Disclosure Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2022
The CVE-2016-0149 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Microsoft .NET Framework versions 2.0 SP2, 3.0 SP2, 3.5, 3.5.1, 4.5.2, 4.6, and 4.6.1 that enables man-in-the-middle attackers to intercept and obtain sensitive cleartext information during client-server communications. This vulnerability specifically affects the transport layer security implementation within the framework, creating a pathway for attackers to inject cleartext data into the data stream between client and server components. The flaw resides in how the .NET Framework handles secure communication protocols, particularly when establishing TLS/SSL connections for encrypted data transmission.
This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated injection mechanism that allows attackers positioned in the network path between communicating parties to manipulate the data flow. The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate validation and handling of cleartext data within the secure communication channel, enabling unauthorized parties to access sensitive information that should remain encrypted. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-310 as "Cryptographic Issues" and specifically relates to improper implementation of security protocols within the application layer. The attack vector exploits weaknesses in the framework's TLS/SSL handling, where cleartext information can be injected into the communication stream without proper authentication or encryption verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across numerous enterprise environments that rely on Microsoft .NET Framework for web applications, services, and client-server communications. Organizations running affected versions of the framework face significant risk of data breaches, including sensitive user credentials, personal information, financial data, and proprietary business information being exposed to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in scenarios involving web applications that process sensitive transactions or authentication data, as attackers can leverage this weakness to intercept and decode transmitted information. This represents a fundamental compromise of the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as the vulnerability directly enables information disclosure attacks that bypass standard security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0149 require immediate implementation of Microsoft security patches and updates to affected .NET Framework versions. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of the framework, specifically targeting the updates released in March 2016 that address the TLS/SSL information disclosure vulnerability. Network administrators must also implement additional security controls including enhanced monitoring of network traffic, deployment of intrusion detection systems, and implementation of network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful attacks. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 for "Exfiltration Over C2 Channel" and T1566 for "Phishing" as attackers may use this weakness to establish persistent access and extract sensitive information. Security teams should also consider implementing certificate pinning mechanisms and enhanced logging to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for secure communication protocols.