CVE-2016-10590 in cue-sdk-node
Summary
by MITRE
cue-sdk-node is a Corsair Cue SDK wrapper for node.js. cue-sdk-node downloads zipped 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 zip file with an attacker controlled zip 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 • 02/09/2020
The CVE-2016-10590 vulnerability resides within the cue-sdk-node package, a Node.js wrapper for Corsair Cue SDK that enables developers to interact with Corsair lighting and device control software. This package serves as an intermediary layer between Node.js applications and Corsair's hardware control systems, facilitating communication with lighting peripherals and other Corsair devices through their proprietary SDK. The vulnerability manifests in the package's resource downloading mechanism, which employs unencrypted HTTP connections for retrieving compressed package files. This design flaw creates a significant security gap that directly violates industry best practices for secure software distribution and dependency management.
The technical flaw stems from the package's failure to implement secure transmission protocols when downloading zipped resources from remote servers. When cue-sdk-node attempts to fetch required components, it establishes HTTP connections rather than HTTPS connections, leaving the communication channel susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks. This weakness represents a classic implementation of CWE-319 - Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information, where sensitive data including software packages are transmitted without encryption. The vulnerability creates a path for attackers positioned within the network traffic flow to intercept and manipulate the downloaded content, as the package lacks any form of integrity verification or secure transport mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it potentially enables remote code execution capabilities when an attacker successfully substitutes the legitimate zip file with a malicious one. This scenario represents a sophisticated attack vector that could allow adversaries to execute arbitrary code on systems running applications that depend on cue-sdk-node. The threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.001 - Supply Chain Compromise, where attackers compromise legitimate software distribution channels to deliver malicious payloads. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where network traffic is not properly monitored or where attackers have the capability to position themselves between the user and the remote server, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments and development workflows that rely on third-party Node.js packages.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10590 should focus on implementing secure transport mechanisms and dependency verification practices. Organizations should immediately upgrade to newer versions of cue-sdk-node that utilize HTTPS for all resource downloads or implement proper certificate validation. The solution must include cryptographic verification of downloaded packages through mechanisms such as checksum validation or digital signatures to prevent substitution attacks. Additionally, development teams should adopt secure coding practices that enforce encrypted communication channels for all external dependencies, aligning with industry standards such as those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project. Network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle activities, while security teams should prioritize patch management processes to ensure all vulnerable dependencies are promptly updated across the organization's infrastructure.