CVE-2016-10623 in macaca-chromedriver-zxa
Summary
by MITRE
macaca-chromedriver-zxa is a Node.js wrapper for the selenium chromedriver. macaca-chromedriver-zxa 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 CVE-2016-10623 vulnerability resides within the macaca-chromedriver-zxa Node.js module, which serves as a wrapper for Selenium's ChromeDriver functionality. This module operates by automatically downloading binary resources from remote servers to facilitate automated browser testing capabilities. The fundamental security flaw emerges from the module's reliance on unencrypted HTTP protocols for binary downloads rather than secure HTTPS connections, creating a critical exposure point in the software supply chain. This design decision fundamentally undermines the integrity and authenticity guarantees that should accompany any automated dependency resolution process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the module's failure to validate the authenticity of downloaded binaries, creating a man-in-the-middle attack surface that directly violates security best practices. When the module performs HTTP requests to retrieve ChromeDriver binaries, it does not implement any form of cryptographic verification or integrity checking mechanisms. This weakness aligns with CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a classic example of insecure communication channels in software distribution systems. Attackers positioned within the network traffic path can exploit this vulnerability by intercepting the HTTP requests and replacing the legitimate ChromeDriver binaries with malicious alternatives.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a potential pathway for remote code execution within systems that utilize this module. When an attacker successfully substitutes the legitimate binary with a malicious one, the consequences can be severe depending on the execution environment and the privileges under which the automated testing processes operate. The vulnerability's potential for causing remote code execution directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1105, which addresses remote file execution capabilities. Systems using this module become susceptible to attackers who can manipulate the download process to inject malicious code that executes within the context of the automated testing framework.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate protocol-level exposure and the broader supply chain security considerations. Organizations should immediately upgrade to versions of macaca-chromedriver-zxa that implement HTTPS-based binary downloads and cryptographic verification mechanisms. The solution should incorporate checksum validation or digital signatures to ensure binary integrity, aligning with industry standards such as those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project. Additionally, network-level mitigations including traffic inspection and filtering can help detect and prevent unauthorized binary substitutions, though these measures are secondary to addressing the root cause within the application itself. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous download patterns that might indicate successful exploitation attempts.