CVE-2016-10639 in redis-srvr
Summary
by MITRE
redis-srvr is a npm wrapper for redis-server. redis-srvr 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 • 02/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10639 affects redis-srvr, a node package manager wrapper for redis-server that facilitates automated binary downloads. This package represents a critical security gap in the software supply chain, as it employs unencrypted HTTP protocols for fetching binary resources during installation processes. The fundamental flaw lies in the absence of cryptographic verification mechanisms that would ensure the integrity and authenticity of downloaded components, creating an exploitable attack surface where malicious actors can intercept network traffic and substitute legitimate binaries with compromised versions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the package's reliance on insecure HTTP connections rather than HTTPS or alternative secure transfer mechanisms. When users install or update redis-srvr, the system attempts to download binary resources from remote servers using HTTP protocols that do not provide encryption or authentication guarantees. This design choice creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector where adversaries positioned on the network path between the user and the remote server can intercept requests and replace the intended binaries with attacker-controlled executables. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-319, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in communication channels, and specifically relates to the lack of secure protocol usage in software distribution mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it potentially enables full remote code execution capabilities for attackers who successfully exploit the supply chain compromise. When an attacker successfully substitutes a legitimate binary with a malicious one, the compromised software will execute with the privileges of the user running the installation process, potentially leading to system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within network environments. This type of vulnerability particularly affects development environments and continuous integration systems where automated package installations frequently occur, making these targets attractive for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or conduct broader security breaches.
The security implications of CVE-2016-10639 align with ATT&CK technique T1133, which covers external remote services and supply chain compromises, and demonstrates how insecure dependency management can create persistent attack vectors. Organizations using redis-srvr or similar npm packages are particularly vulnerable when operating in untrusted network environments or when network traffic is not properly monitored and secured. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites beyond network access and the ability to position an attacker between the victim and the target server, making it a particularly dangerous threat in environments where network segmentation is inadequate or where users frequently connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
Effective mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate adoption of secure protocol usage patterns in package management systems, including the implementation of HTTPS connections for all binary downloads and the integration of cryptographic checksum verification mechanisms. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate supply chain attacks, while also ensuring that all software distribution channels employ proper certificate validation and integrity checking. The remediation process should include updating to versions of redis-srvr that utilize secure download mechanisms, implementing network security controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and establishing secure software supply chain practices that include dependency verification and code signing verification. Additionally, security awareness training for development teams should emphasize the importance of using secure package managers and avoiding packages that employ insecure download mechanisms, as this vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in how software dependencies are resolved and installed in node.js environments.