CVE-2016-10649 in frames-compiler
Summary
by MITRE
frames-compiler 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.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10649 resides within the frames-compiler tool which demonstrates a critical security flaw in how it handles binary resource downloads. This issue stems from the tool's reliance on unencrypted http protocols for fetching binary components, creating a fundamental weakness in the software supply chain that directly exposes users to significant cybersecurity risks. The vulnerability operates at the network communication layer where the tool fails to implement proper cryptographic validation mechanisms, leaving the entire download process susceptible to interception and manipulation by malicious actors positioned within the network infrastructure.
The technical flaw represents a classic man-in-the-middle attack vector where an adversary can intercept network traffic between the frames-compiler and its remote servers. When the tool requests binary resources over HTTP, it transmits data in plaintext without any integrity verification or encryption mechanisms. This weakness allows attackers to perform packet interception and substitution attacks, where they can replace legitimate binary files with malicious counterparts that appear identical to the requesting system. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and integrity verification processes, as defined by CWE-319, which governs the protection of information during transmission over untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to potentially enable full remote code execution capabilities within the victim environment. An attacker who successfully substitutes a legitimate binary with a malicious one can achieve arbitrary code execution on the system where frames-compiler operates, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK technique T1059.1.001 for command and scripting interpreter. This represents a severe escalation of privileges since the compromised tool can execute code with the same permissions as the user running the frames-compiler, potentially leading to complete system compromise and lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems that rely on this tool for their operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10649 must address both the immediate network-level vulnerabilities and the underlying architectural design flaws within the frames-compiler tool. Organizations should implement mandatory transport layer security requirements that enforce HTTPS connections for all binary downloads, ensuring that cryptographic protocols like TLS 1.2 or higher are utilized for secure communications. Network administrators should deploy intrusion detection systems capable of monitoring for unusual traffic patterns that may indicate MITM attacks, while also implementing proper certificate validation mechanisms to prevent the acceptance of self-signed or untrusted certificates. Additionally, the tool should be updated to incorporate integrity checking mechanisms such as cryptographic hashes or digital signatures for all downloaded binaries, as recommended by the NIST SP 800-57 standard for cryptographic key management. System administrators should also consider network segmentation and firewall rules that restrict outbound connections to only trusted domains, reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against various attack vectors throughout the software development lifecycle.