CVE-2016-10573 in baryton-saxophone
Summary
by MITRE
baryton-saxophone is a module to install and launch Selenium Server for Mac, Linux and Windows. baryton-saxophone versions below 3.0.1 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.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10573 affects the baryton-saxophone module, which serves as a utility for installing and launching Selenium Server across multiple operating systems including Mac, Linux, and Windows. This module operates as a dependency management tool that facilitates the automated deployment of Selenium Server components. The security flaw stems from the module's implementation of insecure download protocols that rely on unencrypted HTTP connections for retrieving binary resources. This design decision creates a fundamental security weakness that exposes users to significant risks during the software installation process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a tool commonly used in automated testing environments where security controls may be less stringent than in production systems.
The technical flaw manifests in the module's failure to implement secure communication channels when downloading binary resources from remote servers. Specifically, versions prior to 3.0.1 utilize HTTP protocol instead of HTTPS for all resource retrieval operations, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to intercept and manipulate network traffic. This insecure practice violates established security principles and creates opportunities for man-in-the-middle attacks where attackers can position themselves between the user's system and the remote server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-319 as "Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.1001 for application layer protocol: web protocols. When an attacker successfully intercepts the HTTP traffic, they can substitute the legitimate binary with a maliciously crafted version that contains backdoors or other harmful code, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it can result in remote code execution capabilities for attackers who successfully exploit the MITM conditions. The potential for remote code execution represents a critical security risk because it allows attackers to gain control over systems where the vulnerable module is installed and used. This threat is particularly severe in automated testing environments where multiple systems may be running the vulnerable module, creating a potential attack vector that could compromise entire test infrastructure. The attack scenario requires the adversary to either be positioned on the same network segment as the victim or to have network positioning capabilities such as DNS spoofing or ARP poisoning. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the software supply chain, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious code into legitimate software installations and create persistent access points within target environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on immediate remediation through version updates to baryton-saxophone version 3.0.1 or later, which implements secure HTTPS connections for all binary downloads. Organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of the module and ensure immediate patching across their infrastructure. Network-level protections should include implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate MITM attack attempts. The solution also involves establishing secure software supply chain practices that validate the integrity of downloaded binaries through cryptographic checksums or digital signatures. Security teams should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to prevent unauthorized access to network resources where the vulnerable module may be deployed. Additionally, organizations should review their automated testing processes to ensure that no untrusted components are being downloaded and executed without proper verification mechanisms in place.