CVE-2016-10593 in ibapi
Summary
by MITRE
ibapi is an Interactive Brokers API addon for NodeJS. ibapi 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 • 02/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10593 affects the ibapi library, which serves as an Interactive Brokers API addon for Node.js applications. This library facilitates communication between Node.js applications and Interactive Brokers trading platforms, enabling developers to build automated trading systems and financial applications. The core security issue stems from the library's implementation of binary resource downloading mechanisms that rely on unencrypted HTTP protocols rather than secure HTTPS connections. This design flaw creates a significant attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors within the network infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests in the library's failure to implement proper transport layer security when downloading binary components required for the Interactive Brokers API functionality. When ibapi attempts to fetch binary resources, it uses HTTP connections that are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker positioned between the client and the remote server can intercept and modify the downloaded files. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. The absence of cryptographic integrity checks or certificate validation allows attackers to substitute legitimate binary files with malicious equivalents without detection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution within the affected Node.js applications. An attacker who successfully intercepts and replaces the binary resources can potentially inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the Node.js process. This scenario represents a critical security risk for financial applications that rely on ibapi, as it could lead to unauthorized trading activities, data exfiltration, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in corporate environments where network traffic is not properly segmented or monitored, as attackers can leverage existing network infrastructure to position themselves between the client and server without requiring physical access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the underlying architectural issues within the ibapi library implementation. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as DNS filtering, network segmentation, and mandatory use of encrypted connections through proxy servers or firewalls that enforce HTTPS requirements for all external communications. The most effective long-term solution involves updating to newer versions of the ibapi library that properly implement HTTPS connections and cryptographic verification mechanisms. Security teams should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous binary download patterns or unauthorized certificate modifications. Additionally, organizations should follow ATT&CK framework recommendations for network infiltration and execution techniques, particularly focusing on preventing man-in-the-middle attacks through proper certificate pinning and secure communication protocols. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices in financial applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks in trading systems that handle sensitive financial data and transactions.