CVE-2016-10640 in node-thulac
Summary
by MITRE
node-thulac is a node binding for thulac. node-thulac 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-2016-10640 affects node-thulac, a node.js binding for the thulac Chinese text segmentation library. This particular security flaw stems from the package's reliance on unencrypted HTTP protocols when downloading binary resources during the installation process. The fundamental technical issue lies in the absence of secure transport mechanisms that would normally protect against man-in-the-middle attacks. When node-thulac attempts to fetch required binary components from remote servers, it does so over HTTP connections that lack encryption and integrity verification, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors positioned within the network traffic path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks. An attacker capable of performing man-in-the-middle operations between a victim's system and the remote server hosting the binary resources can replace the legitimate binary with a maliciously crafted alternative. This substitution attack leverages the trust relationship that node-thulac establishes with its remote sources, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the victim's system with the privileges of the user running the installation. The vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a classic example of insecure communication channels in software distribution systems.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of node.js packages and the typical permissions under which package installations occur. When node-thulac downloads and executes binary components, it operates with the privileges of the user initiating the installation, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated system access. This attack vector can be exploited in various network environments including public Wi-Fi networks, compromised corporate networks, or through network-level attacks such as ARP spoofing or DNS hijacking. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure software distribution practices and the dangers of relying on unencrypted protocols for critical system components.
Organizations and developers should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability by ensuring all package installations occur over secure HTTPS connections rather than HTTP. The recommended approach involves updating node-thulac to versions that implement secure transport mechanisms or switching to alternative packages that properly utilize encrypted connections for binary downloads. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle attacks, while organizations should establish policies requiring secure software supply chain practices. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ATT&CK framework's relevance in software security, particularly the techniques related to supply chain compromises and credential access through network-based attacks. The incident underscores the necessity for robust verification mechanisms including cryptographic signatures and checksum validation to prevent unauthorized modifications to software components during distribution.