CVE-2016-10629 in nw-with-arm
Summary
by MITRE
nw-with-arm is a NW Installer including ARM-Build. nw-with-arm 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-2016-10629 affects the nw-with-arm installer component which is part of the NW Installer suite designed to handle ARM-based builds. This particular installer variant presents a significant security risk due to its implementation of insecure communication protocols during the binary resource download process. The vulnerability stems from the installer's reliance on HTTP protocol for retrieving binary resources rather than implementing secure HTTPS transmission mechanisms, creating an exploitable attack vector that can be leveraged by malicious actors positioned within the network infrastructure.
The technical flaw resides in the installer's failure to implement proper transport layer security measures during the download phase of the installation process. When the nw-with-arm installer attempts to fetch binary resources from remote servers, it utilizes unencrypted HTTP connections that are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks. This design choice violates fundamental security principles and creates opportunities for attackers to intercept, modify, or replace the intended binary files with malicious alternatives. The vulnerability specifically enables remote code execution capabilities when an attacker successfully substitutes the legitimate binary with a compromised version, as the installer does not perform integrity verification or authentication checks on the downloaded resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and authenticity of the installation process. An attacker positioned within the network or capable of performing network-level attacks can manipulate the download process to deliver malicious payloads that will execute with the privileges of the installer process. This creates a potential pathway for full system compromise, privilege escalation, and persistent access within the target environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the initial installation phase where the system is most vulnerable and where attackers can establish footholds before the system has fully initialized security measures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap in the installer's communication protocols and broader network security posture. The primary recommendation involves implementing mandatory HTTPS usage for all binary downloads, ensuring that the installer validates SSL certificates and performs integrity checks using cryptographic hashes or digital signatures. Network-level protections should include traffic inspection mechanisms to detect and prevent HTTP traffic to known vulnerable endpoints, while also implementing secure DNS resolution to prevent DNS spoofing attacks that could redirect traffic to malicious servers. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of successful man-in-the-middle positioning. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-319 which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a clear violation of ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through compromised installation processes. The remediation approach should include immediate patching of the installer component, implementation of secure communication protocols, and establishment of comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized binary modifications.