CVE-2016-10570 in pngcrush-installer
Summary
by MITRE
pngcrush-installer is an installer for Pngcrush. pngcrush-installer versions below 1.8.10 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 • 02/09/2020
The pngcrush-installer vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in software supply chain integrity that has significant implications for software deployment and system security. This vulnerability affects versions of pngcrush-installer prior to 1.8.10 and stems from the installer's reliance on unencrypted HTTP connections for downloading binary resources. The fundamental issue lies in the absence of proper transport layer security during the download process, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise the integrity of the installed software. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-319 as it involves the exposure of sensitive information or resources through insecure network communication channels. When an installer downloads components over HTTP instead of HTTPS, it creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector where malicious actors can intercept and modify the downloaded binaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated attack pattern that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script interpreter and T1557.001 for credential access through interception. An attacker positioned within the network or capable of performing DNS spoofing can intercept the HTTP request sent by the installer and replace the legitimate pngcrush binary with a maliciously crafted version. This attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates at the installation phase, allowing attackers to inject malicious code directly into the target system during what should be a trusted software acquisition process. The remote code execution capability arises from the fact that the modified binary, when executed, will perform the attacker's intended malicious actions rather than the legitimate pngcrush functionality. This type of supply chain compromise can lead to persistent backdoors, data exfiltration, or further system compromise through the execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the installing user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond the immediate installation process, potentially affecting entire organizational networks through compromised software deployments. Systems that rely on automated installation processes or continuous integration pipelines become particularly vulnerable, as these environments often lack proper verification mechanisms for downloaded resources. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also enterprise environments where software installation procedures may be automated and executed across multiple systems. Organizations using this installer in their build processes or deployment workflows face significant risk of having their systems compromised through supply chain attacks that can go undetected for extended periods. The attack requires minimal sophistication to execute successfully, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with basic network reconnaissance capabilities. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where network traffic is not properly monitored or where firewalls do not enforce secure communication policies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements to prevent similar issues in software supply chains. The primary and most effective mitigation is upgrading to pngcrush-installer version 1.8.10 or later, which implements secure HTTPS connections for binary downloads. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as enforcing HTTPS traffic filtering and implementing certificate pinning for critical software components. Additional protective measures include implementing software bill of materials (SBOM) tracking, using checksum validation for downloaded binaries, and establishing secure software distribution practices. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate man-in-the-middle attacks during software installation processes. Security teams should also consider implementing secure software development lifecycle practices that emphasize the importance of secure communication channels and proper binary verification mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for organizations to establish robust software supply chain security policies and to regularly audit their installation processes for potential security gaps that could be exploited by adversaries.