CVE-2016-10644 in slimerjs-edge
Summary
by MITRE
slimerjs-edge is a npm wrapper for installing the bleeding edge version of slimerjs. slimerjs-edge 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-2016-10644 affects slimerjs-edge, a node package manager wrapper designed to install the latest development version of slimerjs, a headless browser based on gecko engine. This tool serves as a bridge between node.js applications and the slimerjs browser environment, enabling automated web testing and scraping tasks. The primary security flaw stems from the application's reliance on unencrypted HTTP protocols for downloading binary resources, creating a fundamental weakness in the software supply chain that exposes users to significant security risks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the insecure download mechanism that fails to implement proper cryptographic verification of downloaded binaries. When slimerjs-edge attempts to fetch the required binary components, it establishes connections using plain HTTP without any integrity checks or certificate validation. This design choice directly violates security best practices and creates an attack surface where malicious actors can intercept network traffic and substitute legitimate binaries with malicious counterparts. The vulnerability maps to CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a classic man-in-the-middle attack vector that has been documented in numerous security frameworks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution within the victim's system. An attacker positioned within the network traffic path or capable of conducting DNS spoofing attacks can replace the legitimate slimerjs binary with a malicious version that contains backdoors, trojans, or other malicious payloads. This scenario represents a critical supply chain compromise where the vulnerability exists not in the application itself but in how it retrieves external dependencies. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain complete control over systems where slimerjs-edge is installed, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within compromised networks.
The implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1195.001 for Supply Chain Compromise and T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol. Organizations using slimerjs-edge are particularly vulnerable in environments where network security is insufficient or when users connect through untrusted networks such as public wi-fi. The risk is amplified in corporate environments where network traffic is not properly monitored or where security policies do not enforce secure download practices. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly innocuous package management tools can become critical attack vectors when proper security measures are not implemented. Effective mitigation requires immediate adoption of secure download practices, including the implementation of HTTPS connections, cryptographic checksum verification, and network monitoring to detect suspicious traffic patterns. Organizations should also consider alternative package management approaches that prioritize security by default and implement automated security scanning of dependencies to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising their software supply chains.