CVE-2016-10621 in fibjs
Summary
by MITRE
fibjs is a runtime for javascript applictions built on google v8 JS. fibjs 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 fibjs runtime environment represents a significant security vulnerability through its reliance on unencrypted HTTP communication for binary resource downloads. This fundamental design flaw creates a critical attack surface that exposes systems to man-in-the-middle exploitation. The runtime's failure to implement secure transport mechanisms leaves network traffic susceptible to interception and manipulation by malicious actors positioned within the communication path. The vulnerability specifically targets the binary distribution mechanism that powers javascript applications built on the google v8 javascript engine, making it particularly dangerous for environments where security is paramount. This weakness directly enables attackers to perform credential theft, data exfiltration, and system compromise through simple network interception techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from fibjs's lack of cryptographic verification for downloaded binary components. When the runtime requests binary resources over standard HTTP connections, it provides no mechanism to validate the authenticity or integrity of the downloaded content. This absence of security controls creates a pathway for attackers to substitute legitimate binaries with malicious counterparts that contain backdoors or exploit code. The vulnerability operates at the transport layer where HTTP requests are made without any form of certificate validation or content integrity checks, allowing for seamless substitution attacks that bypass traditional security measures. According to the CWE classification system, this represents a weakness in the cryptographic protocol implementation, specifically CWE-319, which deals with cleartext transmission of sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, demonstrating how network-level attacks can be leveraged to compromise application integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to encompass full system compromise capabilities through remote code execution. An attacker who successfully manipulates the binary download process can inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the fibjs runtime environment, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal network proximity or interception capabilities, making it accessible to adversaries with basic networking knowledge. Organizations using fibjs are vulnerable to supply chain attacks where attackers compromise the distribution servers or network infrastructure to deliver malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects not just individual applications but entire ecosystems built on the fibjs platform, as compromised binaries can propagate through multiple dependent systems. This threat model particularly impacts enterprise environments where network traffic flows through shared infrastructure, making the attack surface larger and more difficult to secure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate transport security issues and the broader architectural concerns within the fibjs ecosystem. Organizations should implement mandatory HTTPS enforcement for all binary downloads, ensuring that cryptographic protocols are used to secure communication channels. Certificate pinning mechanisms should be deployed to prevent substitution attacks, and integrity checking should be implemented to verify downloaded binary contents against known good hashes. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous download patterns that may indicate compromise attempts. The implementation of secure update mechanisms with digital signatures provides an additional layer of protection against malicious binary substitution. Security teams should also consider deploying network intrusion detection systems that can identify and block HTTP-based binary download attempts that deviate from expected patterns. Regular security audits of the fibjs runtime environment and its associated binary dependencies are essential to maintain defense in depth. According to industry best practices and the ATT&CK framework, organizations should implement network traffic analysis capabilities to monitor for suspicious communication patterns and enforce strict access controls on update mechanisms. The long-term solution involves updating the fibjs runtime to incorporate modern security standards including certificate validation, secure transport protocols, and automated integrity verification processes.