CVE-2016-10595 in jdf-sass
Summary
by MITRE
jdf-sass is a fork from node-sass, jdf use only. jdf-sass downloads executable 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 file with an attacker controlled 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 • 02/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10595 affects jdf-sass, a fork of the node-sass library specifically utilized within the jdf framework ecosystem. This security flaw stems from the library's implementation of insecure download mechanisms that rely on unencrypted HTTP protocols for retrieving executable resources during the build process. The fundamental issue lies in the absence of cryptographic verification mechanisms that would normally ensure the integrity and authenticity of downloaded components. When jdf-sass attempts to fetch required executable files, it does so over plain HTTP connections that are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors who can intercept and manipulate network traffic between the client and remote servers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with common attack vectors described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.1060 category for remote code execution. An attacker positioned within the network traffic path or capable of performing DNS spoofing or ARP poisoning attacks can intercept the HTTP requests made by jdf-sass and substitute the legitimate executable resources with malicious counterparts. This substitution attack is particularly dangerous because the downloaded files are executed within the context of the build process, potentially allowing an attacker to inject malicious code that gets compiled and executed as part of the normal development workflow. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure download handling that violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it compromises the integrity of the entire build pipeline and development environment. When an attacker successfully executes this attack, they gain the ability to inject malicious code that can persist in the development workflow, potentially affecting multiple developers who rely on the same build infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate execution environment but also introduces long-term security risks where compromised build artifacts could be distributed to other systems or integrated into production code. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where development teams may not have proper network segmentation or security monitoring in place to detect such attacks, making the attack surface significantly larger than initially apparent.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing secure download mechanisms that enforce cryptographic verification of downloaded resources. Organizations should immediately transition from HTTP to HTTPS for all resource downloads, ensuring that certificate validation is properly enforced. The implementation of checksum verification mechanisms, such as SHA-256 or similar cryptographic hashes, should be mandatory for all executable components downloaded by jdf-sass. Additionally, network security controls including intrusion detection systems and proper network segmentation can help detect and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. The solution aligns with the security recommendations found in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for secure software development practices, particularly focusing on the principle of least privilege and the implementation of secure communication channels. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure that no other components within the development ecosystem are utilizing insecure HTTP protocols for resource retrieval.