CVE-2016-10632 in apk-parser2
Summary
by MITRE
apk-parser2 is a module which extracts Android Manifest info from an APK file. apk-parser2 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-2016-10632 vulnerability resides within the apk-parser2 module, a critical component designed to extract Android Manifest information from APK files through automated parsing processes. This module operates by downloading binary resources over unencrypted HTTP connections, creating a fundamental security flaw that exposes systems to man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure communication protocols that undermine the integrity of the application parsing process and potentially compromise the entire security posture of systems relying on this module for Android application analysis.
The technical flaw manifests in the module's failure to implement secure communication channels for downloading binary resources, creating a pathway for malicious actors to intercept and manipulate the data flow. When apk-parser2 establishes HTTP connections to download required binary components, it does not verify the authenticity or integrity of the downloaded content, leaving the system vulnerable to various attack vectors including SSL stripping attacks, DNS poisoning, and network-based interception techniques. This weakness directly aligns with CWE-319, which categorizes insecure communication channels as a critical vulnerability when sensitive data is transmitted without proper encryption or authentication mechanisms. The module's reliance on plaintext HTTP connections creates an environment where attackers can seamlessly swap legitimate binary resources with malicious counterparts without detection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, potentially enabling remote code execution scenarios that could compromise entire systems. When an attacker successfully positions themselves within the network path between the user and the remote server, they can replace the requested binary resources with attacker-controlled payloads that will be executed during the APK parsing process. This creates a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the trust relationship between the parsing module and its remote data sources, allowing adversaries to execute arbitrary code on systems where apk-parser2 is deployed. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where security monitoring is insufficient, as the malicious binary substitution occurs at the network level without triggering traditional security alerts, making it difficult to detect and mitigate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10632 must address both the immediate communication security flaws and implement comprehensive network monitoring solutions. Organizations should immediately transition from HTTP to HTTPS connections for all binary resource downloads, implementing certificate pinning mechanisms to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. The module should be updated to verify digital signatures and implement integrity checks on downloaded binaries using cryptographic hash functions such as SHA-256. Network-level defenses should include intrusion detection systems capable of monitoring for unusual traffic patterns and implementing strict firewall rules that restrict outbound HTTP connections while enforcing secure communication protocols. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access through network sniffing and privilege escalation through malicious code execution, requiring defensive measures that address both the initial compromise vector and potential lateral movement opportunities that attackers might exploit once they gain control through this vulnerability.