CVE-2016-10620 in atom-node-module-installer
Summary
by MITRE
atom-node-module-installer installs node modules for atom-shell applications. atom-node-module-installer 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.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10620 affects the atom-node-module-installer component used in atom-shell application development environments. This tool serves as a mechanism for installing node modules within atom-shell applications, which are essentially desktop applications built using web technologies like html css and javascript. The installer operates by downloading binary resources from remote servers to facilitate the installation process of node modules required for application functionality.
The core technical flaw resides in the installer's reliance on unencrypted HTTP connections for downloading binary resources rather than secure HTTPS protocols. This design decision creates a significant security weakness that exposes users to man-in-the-middle attack vectors. When the installer attempts to fetch binary components from remote servers, the HTTP protocol transmits data in plaintext without encryption or authentication mechanisms, making it susceptible to interception and modification by malicious actors positioned within the network traffic path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to potentially enable full remote code execution capabilities. An attacker who successfully positions themselves between the user and the remote server can swap out legitimate binary files with malicious counterparts during the download process. This type of attack falls under the attack technique category of supply chain compromise and represents a sophisticated approach to achieving persistent access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the installation phase of application development, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire development environment and any applications built using compromised modules.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. The weakness demonstrates how insecure communication channels can be exploited to achieve privilege escalation and code execution objectives. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for remote code execution and T1557 for man-in-the-middle attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning in development environments where security controls may be less stringent than in production systems, and where developers might be working on unsecured networks or public Wi-Fi connections.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing secure communication protocols throughout the installation process. The primary recommendation involves modifying the installer to use HTTPS instead of HTTP for all binary downloads, ensuring that cryptographic verification mechanisms are in place to validate the integrity of downloaded components. Additionally, implementing certificate pinning and checksum validation for downloaded binaries provides defense in depth against sophisticated attack scenarios. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate man-in-the-middle activity. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure software supply chain practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation decisions can create significant security risks in development tooling environments.