CVE-2016-10627 in scala-bin
Summary
by MITRE
scala-bin is a binary wrapper for Scala. scala-bin 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 • 02/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10627 affects scala-bin, a binary wrapper utility for the Scala programming language that facilitates downloading and managing Scala binaries. This tool operates by fetching binary resources over unencrypted HTTP connections, creating a fundamental security weakness that exposes users to man-in-the-middle attack vectors. The flaw resides in the application's failure to implement secure transport mechanisms for binary downloads, making it susceptible to network-based attacks that can intercept and manipulate the download process. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure communication protocols that can be exploited to compromise system integrity and execute arbitrary code on affected systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from scala-bin's reliance on HTTP rather than HTTPS for binary transfers, which creates multiple attack surface opportunities for malicious actors positioned within the network infrastructure. When the tool attempts to download Scala binaries, it establishes unencrypted connections that can be intercepted, modified, or redirected by attackers who have network access or can position themselves between the client and the target server. This insecure communication pattern allows adversaries to perform binary swapping attacks where they replace legitimate Scala binaries with malicious payloads that can execute code on the target system. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. The lack of cryptographic protection for the download process means that authentication and data integrity checks are absent, enabling attackers to manipulate the binary content during transit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it can lead to complete system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can cause unauthorized code execution on systems running scala-bin, potentially gaining full control over the affected environment. The risk is particularly elevated in corporate or shared network environments where attackers may have the ability to monitor or manipulate network traffic. Systems that rely on scala-bin for automated Scala environment setup or updates become prime targets for exploitation, as the tool's automatic download behavior provides an easy attack vector. This vulnerability can be especially dangerous when combined with other security weaknesses in the deployment environment, potentially enabling attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10627 should focus on implementing secure communication protocols and strengthening the binary download process. Organizations should immediately upgrade to versions of scala-bin that utilize HTTPS for all binary downloads, ensuring that cryptographic transport mechanisms are employed to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. Network administrators should implement traffic monitoring and filtering to detect suspicious patterns in HTTP communications that may indicate exploitation attempts. The use of certificate pinning or other cryptographic verification mechanisms can provide additional protection against certificate-based attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of systems that utilize scala-bin. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems using affected versions of scala-bin and ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent exploitation. Additionally, regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced to maintain the integrity of the Scala development environment and prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in future releases.