CVE-2016-10607 in openframe-glsviewer
Summary
by MITRE
openframe-glsviewer is a Openframe extension which adds support for shaders via glslViewer. openframe-glsviewer 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-2016-10607 affects openframe-glsviewer, an extension designed to enhance Openframe platforms with graphics shader capabilities through glslViewer integration. This extension operates by downloading binary resources from remote servers to function properly, creating a critical security gap in its implementation. The primary flaw lies in the use of unencrypted HTTP protocols for resource retrieval, which exposes the system to man-in-the-middle attack vectors. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure communication channels that can be exploited by adversaries positioned within the network infrastructure between the user and the remote server. This weakness directly violates security best practices outlined in industry standards such as CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. The technical implementation fails to incorporate proper certificate validation or encryption mechanisms, leaving binary downloads susceptible to interception and modification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks that could completely compromise the affected system. When an attacker successfully substitutes the legitimate binary resources with maliciously crafted alternatives, they can potentially execute arbitrary code on the target machine with the privileges of the running application. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that could lead to complete system compromise, particularly in environments where the Openframe extension operates with elevated permissions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the extension is designed for graphics processing, which often requires significant system access and can provide attackers with opportunities to establish persistent access. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1068, which addresses exploit for privilege escalation. Network-based attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to systems without requiring physical presence or initial compromise of other network segments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and the underlying architectural issues. The most critical remediation involves implementing secure communication protocols such as HTTPS with proper certificate validation to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks during binary downloads. Organizations should also consider implementing binary integrity verification mechanisms including cryptographic checksums or digital signatures to ensure that downloaded resources have not been tampered with during transit. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules can help reduce the attack surface by limiting access to the affected extension's download capabilities. The solution should incorporate principles from the OWASP Top Ten security framework, specifically addressing the use of secure communication channels and input validation. System administrators should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual download patterns or attempts to access unauthorized resources. The remediation process must also include updating the extension's codebase to eliminate reliance on insecure HTTP connections and ensure that all network communications are properly encrypted and authenticated, thereby preventing the exploitation vectors that make this vulnerability so dangerous in real-world scenarios.