CVE-2016-10631 in jvminstall
Summary
by MITRE
jvminstall is a module for downloading and unpacking jvm to local system. jvminstall 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-2016-10631 vulnerability resides within the jvminstall module, a component designed to facilitate the automated downloading and installation of java virtual machine binaries to local systems. This module operates as part of broader software deployment frameworks that streamline the process of acquiring and configuring java runtime environments. The vulnerability stems from the module's reliance on unencrypted HTTP protocols for binary resource retrieval, creating a fundamental security weakness that undermines the integrity of the entire installation process. The absence of secure transport mechanisms exposes the system to man-in-the-middle attack vectors that can compromise the authenticity of downloaded components.
The technical flaw manifests in the module's failure to implement proper cryptographic verification mechanisms during the binary download process. When jvminstall retrieves JVM binaries over HTTP, it lacks mechanisms to validate the integrity and authenticity of the downloaded content against known good hashes or digital signatures. This design oversight creates a pathway for attackers positioned within the network traffic flow to intercept requests and substitute legitimate JVM binaries with malicious counterparts. The vulnerability 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 that enable protocol downgrade attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, potentially enabling full remote code execution capabilities for adversaries who successfully exploit the man-in-the-middle position. An attacker capable of swapping the requested binary with a malicious version could inject arbitrary code into the target system during the JVM installation process, effectively gaining control over the compromised machine. This represents a critical security risk in enterprise environments where automated deployment systems are commonly used, as the vulnerability could be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors or escalate privileges within the infrastructure. The attack vector requires only network positioning rather than complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in shared network environments or public Wi-Fi scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10631 should prioritize the implementation of secure transport protocols such as HTTPS with proper certificate validation to replace the vulnerable HTTP connections. Organizations should enforce certificate pinning mechanisms to prevent the acceptance of unauthorized certificates during the download process, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. The module should be updated to incorporate cryptographic checksum validation of downloaded binaries against known good values, preventing the execution of tampered components. Network segmentation and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential man-in-the-middle activities, while security awareness training for administrators can prevent the use of untrusted networks for system deployment operations. Additionally, implementing network access controls and monitoring for unusual download patterns can serve as additional defensive measures against exploitation attempts.