CVE-2016-10587 in wasdk
Summary
by MITRE
wasdk is a toolkit for creating WebAssembly modules. wasdk 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 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 • 02/10/2020
The CVE-2016-10587 vulnerability affects the wasdk toolkit, a development environment designed for creating WebAssembly modules. This toolkit operates by downloading binary resources from remote servers during its operation, creating a critical security gap in its architecture. The vulnerability stems from the toolkit's reliance on unencrypted HTTP protocols for resource retrieval, which exposes users to significant network-level threats that can compromise the entire development workflow.
The technical flaw manifests in the toolkit's failure to implement proper transport layer security for binary downloads. When wasdk fetches required components over HTTP, it operates without encryption or integrity verification mechanisms that would normally protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. This design decision creates a window of opportunity for attackers who can position themselves between the user and the remote server to intercept and manipulate the downloaded binary resources. The vulnerability specifically enables a classic MITM attack vector where an attacker can substitute legitimate binaries with malicious counterparts without detection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it potentially enables full remote code execution capabilities. When attackers successfully replace legitimate binary resources with malicious ones, they can inject arbitrary code into the development environment that will execute with the privileges of the user running the wasdk toolkit. This represents a severe escalation from typical MITM attacks, as the compromised toolkit becomes a vector for broader system compromise. The vulnerability affects developers who may unknowingly execute malicious code during their normal development workflows, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data exfiltration.
Security practitioners should note this vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and script injection, as the malicious binaries could execute arbitrary commands during the toolkit's operation. Organizations using wasdk should implement immediate mitigations including updating to versions that enforce HTTPS connections, implementing network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns, and establishing secure development environments that prevent untrusted network access to development tools. Additionally, developers should consider using secure alternative toolchains or implementing local binary verification mechanisms to ensure integrity of downloaded components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure software supply chain practices and the necessity of implementing proper cryptographic protections even in development tools that may seem innocuous.