CVE-2016-10651 in webdriver-launcher
Summary
by MITRE
webdriver-launcher is a Node.js Selenium Webdriver Launcher. webdriver-launcher 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-2016-10651 affects webdriver-launcher, a Node.js module designed to facilitate Selenium WebDriver operations by automatically managing binary downloads. This tool serves as an essential component in automated testing environments where developers rely on consistent WebDriver binary availability across different systems. The module's primary function involves downloading WebDriver binaries from remote servers to support automated browser testing capabilities in various web applications. The security flaw stems from the module's implementation of unencrypted HTTP communication protocols when fetching binary resources from remote sources. This design choice creates a significant security exposure that directly violates industry best practices for secure software distribution and network communication.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be classified under CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information via insecure communication channels. The flaw specifically manifests when webdriver-launcher performs HTTP requests to download binary files without implementing proper transport layer security measures. This insecure communication pattern leaves the module susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors positioned between the client and the remote server can intercept and manipulate the downloaded binary content. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure data transmission that enables attackers to substitute legitimate binaries with malicious alternatives, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it potentially enables remote code execution capabilities within the affected systems. When an attacker successfully substitutes a legitimate WebDriver binary with a malicious one, they can execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the user running the webdriver-launcher module. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, and T1071, which addresses application layer protocol usage. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where automated testing frameworks are deployed in corporate networks or shared infrastructure, where network traffic interception is more feasible. Organizations utilizing this module in production environments face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential system compromise through this vector.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10651 should prioritize immediate implementation of secure communication protocols for all binary downloads. The most effective approach involves transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS for all remote resource retrieval, ensuring that all communication channels employ TLS encryption to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Security-conscious organizations should also implement binary checksum validation mechanisms to verify the integrity of downloaded resources against known good hashes. Additionally, network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict outbound HTTP traffic and implement content filtering can help reduce exposure. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure software supply chain management and demonstrates how seemingly benign modules can create significant security risks when they fail to implement proper cryptographic protections for network communications. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous binary download patterns or unauthorized network access attempts.