CVE-2016-10609 in chromedriver126
Summary
by MITRE
chromedriver126 is chromedriver version 1.26 for linux OS. chromedriver126 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-2016-10609 affects chromedriver version 1.26 on linux operating systems, representing a critical security flaw in the binary resource delivery mechanism. This issue stems from the chromedriver's reliance on unencrypted HTTP protocols for downloading essential binary components, creating a fundamental weakness in the software's security architecture. The vulnerability operates at the network communication layer where sensitive binary resources are transmitted without proper encryption or integrity verification measures, making it susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks that can compromise the entire system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of secure transport mechanisms within chromedriver's download process, which is classified under CWE-319 - Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information. When chromedriver attempts to fetch binary resources over HTTP connections, attackers positioned within the network traffic path can intercept these requests and substitute the legitimate binaries with malicious alternatives. This attack vector directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as the compromised binaries could execute arbitrary code when loaded by the browser automation framework. The vulnerability's severity escalates because it allows for remote code execution through simple binary substitution attacks that require minimal technical expertise to exploit.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10609 extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for complete system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. Organizations using affected chromedriver versions face significant risk when operating in untrusted network environments or when network traffic is not properly secured through additional layers such as firewalls or network segmentation. The vulnerability affects automated testing environments, web scraping operations, and browser automation workflows that rely on chromedriver for functionality, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running these tools. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where such automation tools are commonly deployed across multiple systems and network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10609 should focus on implementing secure communication protocols and establishing proper binary verification mechanisms. Organizations should immediately upgrade to newer chromedriver versions that utilize HTTPS for all binary downloads, ensuring that cryptographic transport is enforced through proper certificate validation. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as firewall rules that restrict outbound HTTP traffic or deploy network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious binary download patterns. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 controls, particularly those related to secure communication and integrity verification. Additionally, implementing binary integrity checking mechanisms and maintaining updated threat intelligence about compromised binary sources provides defense-in-depth measures against potential exploitation attempts.