CVE-2018-14581 in .NET Reflector
Summary
by MITRE
Redgate .NET Reflector before 10.0.7.774 and SmartAssembly before 6.12.5 allow attackers to execute code by decompiling a compiled .NET object (such as a DLL or EXE file) with a specific embedded resource file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-14581 represents a critical code execution flaw affecting Redgate .NET Reflector versions prior to 10.0.7.774 and SmartAssembly versions before 6.12.5. This security issue stems from insufficient validation of embedded resource files within compiled .NET assemblies, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code through the decompilation process. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of resource files that are embedded within .NET object files such as dynamic link libraries and executable files, which are commonly used in enterprise software development and deployment environments.
The technical flaw manifests when these legacy versions of the decompilation tools process assemblies containing specially crafted embedded resource files. During the decompilation operation, the software fails to properly sanitize or validate the contents of these embedded resources, allowing attackers to embed malicious code or payloads that get executed during the decompilation process. This behavior creates a privilege escalation scenario where an attacker can leverage the legitimate decompilation functionality to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities on the target system. The vulnerability operates at the application level within the .NET runtime environment, making it particularly dangerous in development and testing environments where these tools are commonly deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can be exploited to compromise entire development environments and potentially lead to broader system infiltration. Attackers can craft malicious assemblies that, when processed by vulnerable versions of these tools, will execute malicious payloads such as malware installation, privilege escalation code, or data exfiltration mechanisms. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on .NET development and deployment workflows, where these tools are integral to software analysis, debugging, and reverse engineering processes. The attack vector is relatively simple to exploit since it only requires the victim to open or process a maliciously crafted assembly file with a vulnerable decompilation tool, making it an attractive target for automated attacks.
Organizations should immediately update to the patched versions of Redgate .NET Reflector 10.0.7.774 and SmartAssembly 6.12.5 to mitigate this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around systems running these tools can help limit potential damage if exploitation occurs. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual decompilation activities and file processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-471, which addresses the weakness of "Modification of Assumed-Immutable Data" and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing sandboxing mechanisms when processing unknown or untrusted .NET assemblies to prevent potential code execution during analysis operations.