CVE-2013-1630 in pyshop
Summary
by MITRE
pyshop before 0.7.1 uses HTTP to retrieve packages from the PyPI repository, and does not perform integrity checks on package contents, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted response to a download operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2013-1630 affects pyshop versions prior to 0.7.1, representing a critical security flaw in Python package management infrastructure. This issue stems from the software's reliance on unencrypted HTTP connections when communicating with the Python Package Index (PyPI) repository, creating an exploitable attack surface that undermines the integrity of the package distribution process. The flaw specifically manifests when pyshop attempts to download Python packages from PyPI, as it fails to implement proper verification mechanisms to ensure the authenticity and integrity of retrieved package contents.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness of HTTP protocol usage without cryptographic security measures. When pyshop establishes connections to PyPI using HTTP instead of HTTPS, attackers positioned within the network traffic path can intercept and manipulate the communication stream. This man-in-the-middle attack vector allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary code into package downloads, effectively compromising the integrity of the entire package management ecosystem. The vulnerability operates at the transport layer security level, where the absence of TLS encryption and certificate validation creates opportunities for attackers to modify package contents during transit. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a classic example of insecure communication channels that enable code injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the trust model that Python package management relies upon. When attackers successfully manipulate package downloads, they can introduce backdoors, malware, or other malicious code into the target systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects any organization using pyshop versions before 0.7.1 for managing Python dependencies, creating widespread risk across development environments and production systems that depend on these package repositories. The attack requires minimal sophistication to exploit, as it leverages standard network interception techniques that can be performed by attackers with basic network monitoring capabilities. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.001, which covers the use of unencrypted protocols for data exfiltration and command and control communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1630 primarily focus on upgrading to pyshop version 0.7.1 or later, which implements proper HTTPS connections and package integrity verification mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized interception of package downloads, while establishing secure development practices that include validating package signatures and implementing automated security scanning of downloaded dependencies. The solution requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate vulnerability through software updates and the underlying security architecture through proper encryption implementation and integrity checking protocols. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and traffic inspection to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks that could compromise package integrity. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure communication channels in software supply chain security, where the absence of proper encryption and verification mechanisms can lead to complete system compromise through seemingly simple package download operations.