CVE-2016-10562 in iedriver
Summary
by MITRE
iedriver is an NPM wrapper for Selenium IEDriver. iedriver versions below 3.0.0 download binary resources over HTTP, which leaves the module 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-2016-10562 affects the iedriver npm package, which serves as a wrapper for Selenium's Internet Explorer driver component. This package is commonly used in automated testing environments where developers need to control Internet Explorer browsers programmatically. The flaw stems from the package's implementation of insecure communication protocols during the download process of binary resources required for Selenium automation. Specifically, versions of iedriver prior to 3.0.0 utilize HTTP connections to fetch binary files from remote servers, creating a significant security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors positioned within the network traffic path.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. When iedriver downloads binary resources over unencrypted HTTP connections, it creates an attack surface where man-in-the-middle adversaries can intercept and modify the downloaded files. This vulnerability operates under the principle that network traffic between the client and remote servers is not adequately secured, allowing attackers to perform protocol downgrade attacks or traffic interception. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient transport layer security, where the absence of encryption and authentication mechanisms in the download process enables potential attackers to substitute legitimate binaries with malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution within the context of the affected system. When an attacker successfully replaces the legitimate binary with a malicious one during the download process, they can potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the user running the iedriver process. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters, and T1071, which addresses application layer protocol usage. The vulnerability affects automated testing environments, continuous integration pipelines, and development workflows where iedriver is commonly deployed, potentially compromising entire development infrastructures and leading to data breaches or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10562 primarily involve upgrading to iedriver version 3.0.0 or later, which implements secure HTTPS connections for binary downloads and includes proper certificate validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as DNS filtering, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing certificate pinning mechanisms where appropriate and ensure that all development environments maintain updated package dependencies. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to verify that the upgrade does not break existing automation workflows, while also establishing monitoring procedures to detect potential attempts at exploitation through network traffic analysis and log review processes.