CVE-2016-10662 in tomita
Summary
by MITRE
tomita is a node wrapper for Yandex Tomita Parser tomita 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 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-2016-10662 affects tomita, a node.js wrapper for the Yandex Tomita Parser, which is widely used for information extraction from text. This tool serves as an intermediary between users and the Yandex Tomita Parser, facilitating automated processing of documents and data extraction tasks. The core issue lies in the insecure download mechanism that relies on HTTP protocols for retrieving binary resources, creating a fundamental security weakness that exposes users to significant risks. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure communication channels that undermine the integrity of software distribution processes.
The technical flaw manifests when tomita attempts to download binary components required for the Yandex Tomita Parser functionality. Since these downloads occur over unencrypted HTTP connections rather than secure HTTPS protocols, the system becomes vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. An attacker positioned within the network traffic path or capable of intercepting communications can manipulate the download process by replacing legitimate binary files with malicious counterparts. This exploitation vector directly aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a critical weakness in the authentication and integrity verification mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution attacks that can compromise entire systems. When an attacker successfully substitutes legitimate binary resources with malicious copies, they can potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the user running tomita. This represents a severe security risk for organizations relying on automated information extraction processes, particularly those handling sensitive data or operating in environments where network security controls may be insufficient. The vulnerability essentially transforms a legitimate software installation process into a potential attack surface for full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate communication security issues and broader architectural weaknesses in the software distribution mechanism. Organizations should implement immediate measures such as enforcing HTTPS connections for all binary downloads, implementing certificate pinning where possible, and establishing network monitoring to detect suspicious traffic patterns. The underlying issue requires updating tomita to use secure transport protocols and implementing cryptographic verification mechanisms for downloaded resources. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol usage for data exfiltration, and emphasizes the need for secure software delivery practices. Additionally, system administrators should consider network segmentation and intrusion detection systems to prevent unauthorized access to download servers and monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure software distribution practices and the dangers of relying on unencrypted communication channels in modern cybersecurity environments.