CVE-2016-10617 in box2d-native
Summary
by MITRE
box2d-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-2016-10617 affects the box2d-native library which is commonly used in game development and applications requiring physics simulation capabilities. This issue stems from the library's implementation of insecure communication protocols during the download of binary resources, specifically utilizing unencrypted HTTP connections instead of secure HTTPS alternatives. The fundamental flaw lies in the absence of proper transport layer security measures that would normally protect data integrity and authenticity during network transmission.
The technical nature of this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. When the box2d-native library attempts to download required binary components over HTTP, it exposes the system to man-in-the-middle attacks where an attacker positioned within the network traffic flow can intercept and manipulate the communication. This weakness directly enables the possibility of remote code execution as outlined in the attack vector described in the vulnerability report.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to encompass complete system compromise scenarios. An attacker capable of performing network-level manipulation can replace legitimate binary resources with malicious counterparts, effectively allowing arbitrary code execution on systems that rely on the vulnerable library. This threat model particularly concerns environments where the library is used in applications that may be running with elevated privileges or in contexts where the downloaded binaries are executed without additional verification mechanisms. The vulnerability affects any system that utilizes the box2d-native library for physics engine functionality, potentially compromising game engines, simulation software, and other applications that depend on this specific library implementation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on implementing secure communication protocols and establishing proper binary verification mechanisms. Organizations should immediately transition from HTTP to HTTPS for all binary resource downloads, ensuring that the box2d-native library configuration is updated to enforce secure connections. Additionally, implementing binary checksum verification and digital signatures can provide additional layers of protection against tampered resources. The solution aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 which addresses application layer protocol manipulation, and addresses the broader security principle of secure communication as outlined in NIST SP 800-53 controls. Security teams should also consider network-level monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability, particularly in environments where unencrypted HTTP traffic is still permitted.