CVE-2016-10670 in windows-seleniumjar-mirror
Summary
by MITRE
windows-seleniumjar-mirror downloads the Selenium Jar file windows-seleniumjar-mirror 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 • 06/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10670 resides within the windows-seleniumjar-mirror utility which is designed to facilitate the download of Selenium Jar files on Windows systems. This tool operates by fetching binary resources from remote servers to support automated testing environments and web application development workflows. The fundamental security flaw lies in the utility's reliance on unencrypted HTTP protocols for resource transfer rather than secure HTTPS connections, creating a significant exposure point within the software supply chain.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of cryptographic protection during the download process, making the communication channel susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks as classified under CWE-319. When the windows-seleniumjar-mirror utility requests Selenium Jar files over HTTP, it fails to validate the integrity of downloaded resources or authenticate the origin of the transferred binaries. This insecure practice allows an attacker positioned within the network traffic path to intercept the communication and replace legitimate Selenium Jar files with malicious copies that contain backdoors, trojans, or other exploitable code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a potential pathway for remote code execution within the target system. According to ATT&CK framework tactics, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing for Information) as attackers can leverage the compromised download mechanism to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the user running the windows-seleniumjar-mirror utility. The risk is particularly elevated in enterprise environments where developers frequently use automated tools to manage testing dependencies, making the attack surface larger and more accessible to threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10670 require immediate implementation of secure communication protocols throughout the software supply chain. Organizations should enforce mandatory HTTPS usage for all binary downloads and implement certificate pinning mechanisms to prevent substitution attacks. The utility should be updated to include cryptographic verification of downloaded resources through checksum validation or digital signatures, as recommended by industry best practices for secure software distribution. Additionally, network segmentation and intrusion detection systems should monitor for unusual download patterns that might indicate compromise of the download mechanism, while security awareness training should emphasize the dangers of using insecure download tools in enterprise environments.