CVE-2016-10560 in galenframework-cli
Summary
by MITRE
galenframework-cli is the node wrapper for the Galen Framework. galenframework-cli below 2.3.1 download binary resources over HTTP, which leaves it vulnerable to MITM attacks. It may be possible to cause remote code execution (RCE) by swapping out the requested binary with an attacker controlled binary if the attacker is on the network or positioned in between the user and the remote server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10560 affects the galenframework-cli component of the Galen Framework, which serves as a node.js wrapper for automating web application testing and validation. This particular flaw exists in versions prior to 2.3.1 and stems from the application's insecure handling of binary resource downloads. The core issue manifests when the cli tool attempts to fetch necessary binary components from remote servers using the unencrypted HTTP protocol instead of secure HTTPS connections. This design decision creates a fundamental security weakness that directly violates industry best practices for secure software distribution and component integrity verification.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through man-in-the-middle attack vectors where an attacker positioned between the victim system and the remote server can intercept and modify the HTTP traffic. When the galenframework-cli attempts to download required binary resources, the attacker can substitute the legitimate binary with a maliciously crafted version that contains backdoor code or other malicious payloads. This substitution attack leverages the lack of cryptographic verification mechanisms and the absence of secure transport protocols during the download process. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-319 as it involves the exposure of sensitive information through inadequate transport layer security, specifically the transmission of credentials or sensitive data over insecure channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to potentially enable full remote code execution on systems running vulnerable versions of galenframework-cli. When an attacker successfully substitutes a binary component, the modified code executes with the privileges of the user running the galenframework-cli tool, potentially allowing for complete system compromise. This risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where automated testing frameworks are frequently used and may have elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the software supply chain, as it allows attackers to inject malicious code into legitimate testing tools that organizations trust and rely upon for their quality assurance processes. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1133 - External Remote Services and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access and execute commands through the compromised testing framework.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to galenframework-cli version 2.3.1 or later, which implements secure HTTPS connections for all binary downloads and includes proper certificate validation. The mitigation strategy should also include network-level security measures such as implementing network segmentation, deploying intrusion detection systems, and configuring firewalls to restrict outbound HTTP traffic to known legitimate sources. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing software composition analysis tools to monitor for vulnerable dependencies in their software supply chains. The fix addresses the root cause by enforcing encrypted transport protocols and implementing proper certificate validation, thereby eliminating the attack vector that enables the man-in-the-middle substitution attacks. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their automated testing environments to ensure no other components are similarly vulnerable to insecure binary download practices.