[Full-disclosure] Context IS Advisory - .NET 1.0 through .NET 4 Remote Code Execution

[Context IS - Disclosure <disclosure@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

===============================ADVISORY===============================
Systems Affected:    .NET 1.0 through .NET 4
Severity:            High
Category:            Remote Code Execution
Author:              Context Information Security
Reported to vendor:  17th March 2011
Advisory Issued:     8th May 2012
Reference:           CVE-2012-0160, CVE-2012-0161 
===============================ADVISORY===============================
 
Description
-----------
The Microsoft .NET framework (in all released versions) is vulnerable to a 
number of attacks through the misuse of binary serialization which could be 
leveraged to disclose important information or to achieve remote code 
execution. 
 
Analysis
--------
The .NET framework has a number of serialization mechanisms a developer can use 
to load and save object instances either to permanent storage locations or for 
use in the transport of objects across boundaries. Probably the most important 
of these is the IFormatter serializers, specifically BinaryFormatter which has 
existed in one form since the very first version of the framework. 
 
It is common to see this used as a mechanism for data storage, object 
marshalling and object cloning. This can lead to situations where an attacker 
can introduce malicious objects into an application either remotely over a 
network or through a sandboxed environment.
 
Through the use of specific functionality an attacker can then leverage this 
situation to circumvent security mechanisms and gain remote code execution 
without user interaction or to disclosure important information.
 
 
Technologies Affected
---------------------
Microsoft .Net Frameworks 1.0 through 4.0
 
Vendor Response
---------------
Microsoft advises users to patch the .Net Framework to the latest version.  See 
the following Microsoft security bulletin for more details:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms12-035
 
There are a number of mitigations which reduce the severity of the issues which 
are also detailed in Microsoft’s bulletin. 
 
Disclosure Timeline
-------------------
13th March 2011 – Vendor Notification
8th May 2012 – Vendor Patch Released
 
 
Credits
--------
James Forshaw of Context Information Security
 
 
About Context Information Security
----------------------------------
 Context was launched in 1998 and has a client base that includes some of the 
world’s most high profile blue chip companies, alongside government 
organisations. An exceptional level of technical expertise underpins all 
Context services, while a detailed and comprehensive approach helps clients to 
attain a deeper understanding of security vulnerabilities, threats or 
incidents. The company’s strong track record is based above all, on the 
technical skills, professionalism, independence and integrity of its 
consultants.   
 
Many of the world's most successful organisations turn to Context for technical 
assurance, incident response and investigation services. Context is also at the 
forefront of research and development in security technology.  As well as 
publishing white papers and blogs addressing current and emerging security 
threats and trends, Context consultants are frequently invited to present at 
open and closed industry events around the world. Context delivers a 
comprehensive portfolio of advanced technical services and with offices in the 
UK, Germany and Australia, is ideally placed to work with clients worldwide.  
 
Web:        www.contextis.com
Email:      disclosure@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
 
 
 
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