CVE-2016-10600 in webrtc-native
Summary
by MITRE
webrtc-native uses WebRTC from chromium project. webrtc-native 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 identified as CVE-2016-10600 affects webrtc-native, a component that integrates WebRTC functionality from the Chromium project. This particular flaw stems from the application's reliance on insecure HTTP protocols for downloading binary resources during the software installation or update process. The absence of secure transport mechanisms creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise system integrity and potentially execute arbitrary code remotely. The vulnerability represents a critical security weakness in the software supply chain, where the integrity of downloaded components cannot be guaranteed due to the lack of cryptographic verification mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the insecure downloading mechanism that operates over unencrypted HTTP connections. When webrtc-native attempts to fetch binary resources from remote servers, it does not implement any form of integrity checking or secure transport protocols such as HTTPS or SFTP. This design flaw allows attackers positioned within the network traffic path to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by intercepting the HTTP requests and replacing the legitimate binary files with malicious counterparts. The attacker's ability to swap binaries during transit creates a pathway for remote code execution, as the compromised binaries would be executed with the privileges of the user running the webrtc-native application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers who can position themselves between the victim and the download server. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten. The potential for remote code execution means that an attacker could gain complete control over the affected system, install backdoors, exfiltrate data, or use the compromised machine as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the network. The vulnerability affects any system that relies on webrtc-native for WebRTC functionality and is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where network security controls may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the underlying architectural issues that enabled the insecure downloading behavior. Organizations should implement immediate network-level protections such as DNS filtering, network segmentation, and mandatory use of HTTPS for all external communications. The most effective long-term solution involves updating webrtc-native to implement secure download mechanisms that utilize HTTPS with certificate validation, cryptographic checksums, or digital signatures for all binary resources. Security controls should also include network monitoring to detect unusual download patterns and implement mandatory secure transport policies. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1566 for phishing attacks that could be leveraged to deliver malicious binaries, making it critical to implement comprehensive network security measures that prevent unauthorized modification of software components during transit.