CVE-2016-10598 in arrayfire-js
Summary
by MITRE
arrayfire-js is a module for ArrayFire for the Node.js platform. arrayfire-js 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 • 02/11/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2016-10598 affects arrayfire-js, a node.js module that provides ArrayFire functionality for javascript environments. This module serves as a bridge between the ArrayFire scientific computing library and node.js applications, enabling developers to leverage high-performance computing capabilities within javascript applications. The module's design requires it to download binary resources from remote servers during installation or runtime, creating a critical security exposure that impacts the overall integrity of the system.
The technical flaw stems from arrayfire-js's implementation of insecure communication protocols when downloading binary components. Specifically, the module utilizes HTTP instead of HTTPS for all binary downloads, which creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector. This design choice violates fundamental security principles and exposes the system to various attack scenarios where an adversary can intercept and manipulate the downloaded binary files. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-319 as it involves the transmission of information over an insecure channel, making it susceptible to eavesdropping and data manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution within the targeted system. An attacker positioned between the victim and the remote server can swap the legitimate binary with a maliciously crafted replacement, potentially executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the node.js process. This represents a severe threat to system integrity, as the downloaded binary components often contain core functionality that the application depends upon, making the attack surface particularly dangerous. The vulnerability affects not just individual installations but can compromise entire node.js environments that rely on this module.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of secure communication protocols throughout the module's download mechanisms. The primary solution involves transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS for all binary resource downloads, ensuring that cryptographic transport layer security protects the integrity of downloaded components. Additionally, implementing binary checksum verification mechanisms would provide defense-in-depth against compromised downloads, allowing the system to detect and reject modified or malicious binary files. Organizations should also consider network-level protections such as DNS filtering and traffic inspection to prevent unauthorized access to potentially compromised resources. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.006 for remote code execution and T1041 for data transmission, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures across the entire software supply chain.