CVE-2016-10657 in co-cli-installer
Summary
by MITRE
co-cli-installer downloads the co-cli module as part of the install process, but does so over HTTP, which leaves it vulnerable to MITM attacks. It may be possible to cause remote code execution (RCE) by swapping out the requested resources with an attacker controlled copy 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-2016-10657 resides within the co-cli-installer tool, which represents a critical security flaw in the software supply chain management process. This issue specifically affects the installation mechanism of the co-cli module, where the installer employs unencrypted HTTP protocols during the download phase. The fundamental weakness lies in the absence of secure transmission mechanisms, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to manipulate the installation process. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insecure communication practices that undermine the integrity of software deployment procedures.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from the installer's reliance on HTTP rather than HTTPS for module retrieval, which violates established security best practices for secure software distribution. When the co-cli-installer executes its download process, it establishes an unencrypted connection that permits man-in-the-middle attackers to intercept, modify, or replace the downloaded module with malicious content. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of insecure communication protocols and represents a direct violation of the principle of secure transmission as outlined in security standards such as those referenced in CWE-319. The lack of transport layer security creates an environment where attackers positioned within the network path can perform packet interception and manipulation without detection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables potential remote code execution capabilities through module substitution attacks. An attacker who successfully replaces the legitimate co-cli module with a malicious version can achieve arbitrary code execution on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002 which covers content injection in the software supply chain. The vulnerability essentially provides a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code into the legitimate software installation process, bypassing traditional security controls that might otherwise detect suspicious activities. The attack requires only network positioning or access to intercept traffic, making it particularly dangerous in shared or untrusted network environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate installation process and broader network security practices. The most effective immediate solution involves modifying the installer to enforce HTTPS connections for all module downloads, implementing certificate validation, and incorporating cryptographic checksum verification mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns and establish secure software distribution channels that utilize trusted certificate authorities. The remediation process should include updating the installer configuration to mandate secure transport protocols, enabling certificate pinning, and implementing integrity checks that verify downloaded modules against known good cryptographic hashes. This approach aligns with security frameworks that emphasize the importance of secure software delivery and supply chain integrity, as referenced in industry standards that address secure coding practices and secure software development lifecycle requirements.