CVE-2016-10646 in resourcehacker
Summary
by MITRE
resourcehacker is a Node wrapper of Resource Hacker (windows executable resource editor). resourcehacker 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-2016-10646 resides within resourcehacker, a Node.js wrapper that interfaces with Resource Hacker, a Windows executable resource editor. This tool operates by downloading binary resources over unencrypted HTTP connections, creating a fundamental security flaw that exposes users to significant risks. The vulnerability represents a classic man-in-the-middle attack vector where an attacker positioned within the network traffic flow can intercept and manipulate the download process. The technical implementation of resourcehacker relies on HTTP protocols without any integrity verification mechanisms, making it susceptible to various network-based attacks that exploit the lack of secure transport layer protection. This flaw directly maps to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a potential pathway for remote code execution within the victim's system. When resourcehacker downloads binary components over HTTP, an attacker can substitute the legitimate binary with a maliciously crafted replacement that executes arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the tool. The attack scenario requires the adversary to either be positioned on the same network segment as the victim or to have network positioning capabilities such as DNS poisoning or ARP spoofing to effectively intercept and modify the traffic. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the installation or update phase of software development tools, where users typically trust the automated download process and may not scrutinize the integrity of downloaded components. This creates a dangerous attack surface where legitimate development workflows become vectors for malicious code delivery.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10646 must address the core issue of insecure HTTP downloads through multiple layers of protection. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading resourcehacker to utilize HTTPS connections with certificate validation, ensuring that all binary downloads occur over encrypted channels that prevent traffic interception and modification. Organizations should implement network security controls such as DNS filtering and traffic inspection to detect and block unauthorized HTTP traffic to known binary repositories. Additionally, developers should incorporate checksum validation mechanisms that verify the integrity of downloaded binaries against known good hashes, providing defense-in-depth protection against compromised downloads. The implementation of these mitigations aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 controls for secure software development and network security. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers, while developers should adopt secure coding practices that prioritize encrypted transport protocols and integrity verification in all software components that download external resources.