CVE-2016-10576 in Fuseki
Summary
by MITRE
Fuseki server wrapper and management API in fuseki before 1.0.1 downloads 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 resources with an attacker controlled copy 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-2016-10576 affects the Apache Jena Fuseki server software version 1.0.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the server's resource management and download mechanisms. This issue stems from the software's reliance on unencrypted HTTP connections when fetching binary resources through its wrapper and management API components. The fundamental security weakness lies in the absence of proper transport layer security during resource acquisition, creating an exploitable attack vector that violates basic security principles for network communications.
The technical flaw manifests in the server's implementation of resource downloading functionality where it defaults to using HTTP protocol instead of HTTPS for retrieving binary components. This design decision exposes the system to man-in-the-middle attacks as described in the attack pattern taxonomy of the Mitre ATT&CK framework under the technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. When an attacker can intercept network traffic between the Fuseki server and remote resource repositories, they can substitute legitimate binary files with malicious counterparts that contain backdoors or exploit code. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution within the targeted system. An attacker positioned on the same network segment or capable of performing network position attacks can manipulate the download process to inject malicious code into the Fuseki server environment. This scenario represents a high-severity threat that can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using older versions of the Fuseki server, particularly those with limited network segmentation or inadequate security monitoring capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10576 require immediate implementation of several security controls to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should upgrade to Fuseki version 1.0.1 or later where the download mechanism properly uses HTTPS connections for all binary resource acquisitions. Additionally, network administrators should implement strict firewall policies that restrict outbound HTTP traffic from the Fuseki server and enforce mandatory use of encrypted connections. The solution approach aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 controls for secure communications and network security monitoring. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability, particularly focusing on unusual outbound connections from the server to external repositories.