CVE-2016-10569 in embedza
Summary
by MITRE
embedza is a module to create HTML snippets/embeds from URLs using info from oEmbed, Open Graph, meta tags. embedza versions below 1.2.4 download JavaScript 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 JavaScript file with an attacker controlled JavaScript file 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 CVE-2016-10569 vulnerability affects the embedza module, a component designed to generate HTML snippets and embeds from URLs by extracting information from oEmbed, Open Graph, and meta tags. This module serves as a utility for creating rich media content representations, commonly used in web applications that need to display embedded content from various sources. The vulnerability stems from the module's insecure handling of JavaScript resource downloads, specifically its reliance on HTTP protocols rather than secure HTTPS connections when fetching external JavaScript files. This design flaw creates a significant security risk within network environments where attackers may have the capability to intercept or manipulate traffic.
The technical flaw manifests in the module's inability to enforce secure communication channels when downloading JavaScript resources. When embedza requests JavaScript files from external sources, it defaults to using HTTP instead of HTTPS protocols, making the communication susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-319 as "Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information," which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive data through unencrypted communication channels. The flaw enables attackers to perform traffic interception and content substitution attacks, where malicious actors can replace legitimate JavaScript files with compromised versions that contain malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable remote code execution within the context of the application using embedza. An attacker positioned between the user and the remote server can intercept the HTTP requests and substitute the legitimate JavaScript file with a malicious one. This substitution attack can lead to arbitrary code execution on the victim's system, allowing attackers to perform actions such as stealing user sessions, injecting malicious content, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely on embedza for content embedding, as the compromised JavaScript could execute within the context of the user's browser, potentially leading to full compromise of the affected system.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript,' as it enables attackers to execute JavaScript code in the victim's browser environment. Additionally, the vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment,' as the malicious JavaScript could be delivered through compromised embed content. Organizations using embedza versions prior to 1.2.4 should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to the patched version that enforces HTTPS connections for all JavaScript resource downloads. Network administrators should also consider implementing traffic filtering and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent unauthorized content substitution attempts. The recommended remediation involves ensuring all external resource requests utilize secure protocols and implementing proper certificate validation mechanisms to prevent downgrade attacks that could compromise the security of the embedded content functionality.