CVE-2016-10564 in apk-parser
Summary
by MITRE
apk-parser is a tool to extract Android Manifest info from an APK file. apk-parser versions below 0.1.6 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.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10564 affects apk-parser, a utility designed to extract Android Manifest information from application package files. This tool serves as a critical component in security analysis and mobile application inspection processes, particularly within penetration testing environments and security research operations. The flaw lies in the tool's implementation of network communication protocols when retrieving binary resources during the parsing process, creating a significant security risk that extends beyond simple data extraction capabilities.
The technical vulnerability stems from apk-parser's reliance on unencrypted HTTP connections for downloading binary resources, rather than employing secure HTTPS protocols. This design choice creates an attack surface where malicious actors positioned within the network traffic path can intercept and manipulate the download process. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, specifically highlighting the dangers of cleartext transmission of sensitive data. When the tool attempts to download resources, it establishes HTTP connections that are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, allowing attackers to substitute legitimate binary files with malicious counterparts without detection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable remote code execution within the context of the parsing environment. An attacker who successfully intercepts the HTTP connection can replace the requested binary resource with a malicious payload that will be processed by the apk-parser tool. This scenario creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the system where the tool is running, particularly when the parsed APK files are subsequently analyzed or executed within the same environment. The risk is amplified in network environments where attackers have the capability to position themselves between the user and the remote server, such as in public Wi-Fi networks or compromised network infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in real-world deployment scenarios.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of man-in-the-middle attacks to intercept and manipulate network traffic. Organizations relying on apk-parser for security analysis, malware research, or application security testing face significant risks when using versions below 0.1.6, as the tool itself becomes a potential vector for compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure communication protocols in security tools, particularly those operating in potentially hostile network environments where attackers may have access to network traffic interception capabilities. This flaw underscores the necessity for security tool developers to prioritize secure communication practices and highlights the potential for legitimate security tools to become attack vectors when proper security measures are not implemented.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include upgrading to apk-parser version 0.1.6 or later, which implements secure HTTPS connections for binary resource downloads. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious traffic patterns and consider deploying network segmentation to limit the exposure of systems running vulnerable versions. Additionally, security teams should ensure that all network traffic involving security tools is protected through proper encryption protocols and that network infrastructure is secured against man-in-the-middle attacks through appropriate authentication and integrity verification mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices in security tools and the need for comprehensive security testing of all components in the security toolchain.