CVE-2018-14878 in JetBrains dotPeek
Summary
by MITRE
JetBrains dotPeek before 2018.2 and ReSharper Ultimate before 2018.1.4 allow attackers to execute code by decompiling a compiled .NET object (such as a DLL or EXE file) with a specific file, because of Deserialization of Untrusted Data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2020
This vulnerability resides in JetBrains dotPeek versions prior to 2018.2 and ReSharper Ultimate versions prior to 2018.1.4, representing a critical deserialization flaw that enables remote code execution through maliciously crafted .NET assemblies. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of untrusted data during the deserialization process, where the application fails to validate or sanitize input before processing compiled .NET objects such as DLL or EXE files. When an attacker provides a specially crafted file that exploits this deserialization weakness, the application's deserialization mechanism can be manipulated to execute arbitrary code on the victim system with the privileges of the user running the application. This represents a classic deserialization vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass normal security controls and gain unauthorized access to the system.
The technical exploitation occurs when the vulnerable application attempts to load and decompile a maliciously constructed .NET assembly file. During this process, the deserialization routine processes the untrusted input without proper validation, allowing an attacker to inject malicious payload data that gets executed during the deserialization phase. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered simply by opening or analyzing a file, without requiring any interactive user actions beyond the initial file access. The flaw creates a path for attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or further network infiltration. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-502 which specifically addresses Deserialization of Untrusted Data, making it a well-documented and serious security concern within the software supply chain attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a means to establish persistent access and conduct advanced persistent threats against systems running vulnerable versions of these JetBrains products. Organizations using these development tools are at risk of having their development environments compromised, potentially leading to source code theft, backdoor installation, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability affects both the dotPeek decompiler and ReSharper Ultimate's analysis capabilities, creating widespread exposure across development teams that rely on these tools for .NET application analysis and debugging. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to target developers working on sensitive projects, potentially compromising intellectual property or introducing malicious code into the development pipeline.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to JetBrains dotPeek 2018.2 or later versions and ReSharper Ultimate 2018.1.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the deserialization flaw. Organizations should also implement strict file access controls and sandboxing measures when processing .NET assemblies, particularly those from untrusted sources or received through email attachments and file transfers. Security teams should monitor for suspicious file access patterns and consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, developers should be educated about the risks of opening untrusted .NET files and encouraged to use secure development practices that include input validation and proper error handling. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through loaded modules and deserialization of untrusted data, making it a significant concern for both defensive and offensive security operations.