CVE-2016-10591 in Prince Module
Summary
by MITRE
Prince is a Node API for executing XML/HTML to PDF renderer PrinceXML via prince(1) CLI. prince 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 tarball with an attacker controlled tarball 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10591 affects Prince, a Node.js API that facilitates the conversion of XML and HTML documents to PDF format through the PrinceXML command-line interface. This toolchain represents a critical component in document processing workflows across numerous applications and services, making its security implications particularly significant for enterprise environments. The vulnerability stems from the application's handling of resource downloads during the installation process, specifically when retrieving zipped resources over unencrypted HTTP connections rather than secure HTTPS protocols. This design flaw creates a fundamental security weakness that directly violates security best practices for software distribution and dependency management.
The technical flaw manifests in the insecure download mechanism that relies on HTTP transport without proper certificate validation or integrity checking. When Prince attempts to download required resources, it establishes connections to remote servers using plain HTTP, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit through man-in-the-middle positioning. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a classic example of insecure communication channels that enable protocol downgrade attacks. The absence of cryptographic verification means that downloaded packages can be intercepted, modified, or replaced by malicious actors without detection, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the software supply chain.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it potentially enables remote code execution capabilities when attackers successfully substitute legitimate tarballs with maliciously crafted alternatives. An attacker positioned within the network traffic path can replace the intended package with a compromised version that includes malicious code, leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system. This represents a sophisticated attack vector that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, as the compromised package could contain malicious scripts or binaries that execute upon installation. The vulnerability affects systems where Prince is installed and used for document generation, potentially compromising servers, development environments, and end-user systems that process XML/HTML content through the vulnerable API.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10591 should focus on immediate protocol upgrades and supply chain security enhancements. Organizations should ensure that all Prince installations use HTTPS connections for resource downloads and implement proper certificate validation mechanisms to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. The recommended approach includes updating to newer versions of Prince that implement secure download protocols, implementing network-level security controls such as SSL inspection and certificate pinning, and establishing robust software supply chain monitoring procedures. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised systems and establish automated vulnerability scanning processes to detect similar insecure download patterns in other software dependencies. Additionally, organizations should adopt software composition analysis tools to identify and remediate insecure network communication patterns across their entire software portfolio, ensuring compliance with industry standards for secure software development practices and supply chain security requirements.