CVE-2016-10672 in cloudpub-redis
Summary
by MITRE
cloudpub-redis is a module for CloudPub: Redis Backend cloudpub-redis 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-2016-10672 affects the cloudpub-redis module, which serves as a Redis backend component within the CloudPub ecosystem. This module demonstrates a critical security flaw in its implementation of binary resource retrieval mechanisms that operates entirely over unencrypted HTTP protocols. The design choice to utilize HTTP instead of secure HTTPS connections creates a fundamental weakness that exposes the system to man-in-the-middle attack vectors. The vulnerability stems from the module's failure to implement proper cryptographic verification mechanisms for downloaded resources, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can intercept and manipulate network traffic without requiring elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques.
The technical flaw manifests in the module's inability to validate the integrity and authenticity of binary resources during the download process. When cloudpub-redis attempts to fetch resources over HTTP, it operates without any form of certificate validation, signature verification, or checksum comparison that would normally be expected in secure software distribution practices. This weakness directly aligns with CWE-319, which categorizes vulnerabilities related to the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. The absence of secure transport mechanisms means that any attacker positioned within the network path between the vulnerable module and its remote resources can potentially intercept the communication and substitute legitimate binaries with malicious copies. This scenario represents a classic man-in-the-middle attack vector where the attacker's position in the network allows them to replace the intended software components with compromised versions.
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. When an attacker successfully substitutes a legitimate binary with a malicious one, they can potentially execute arbitrary code on the system running the cloudpub-redis module. The severity of this threat increases when considering that the module operates within cloud infrastructure environments where it may have elevated privileges or access to sensitive data stores. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which describes the use of remote code execution capabilities, and T1041, which covers data exfiltration through network communications. The threat actor could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, or cause system compromise through the execution of malicious payloads that are downloaded and executed as part of the normal module operation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap in the module's implementation and broader network security practices. Organizations should implement mandatory secure transport protocols for all binary downloads, requiring the use of HTTPS with certificate validation instead of plain HTTP. The module should be updated to include cryptographic verification mechanisms such as SHA-256 checksums or digital signatures for all downloaded resources, ensuring that the integrity of components can be verified before execution. Network-level protections should include the implementation of secure DNS resolution, certificate pinning, and traffic monitoring to detect potential man-in-the-middle activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the exposure of vulnerable systems to potential attackers. The remediation process must also include comprehensive testing of the updated module to ensure that secure download mechanisms function correctly without disrupting legitimate operations, while also establishing monitoring procedures to detect any attempts at resource substitution or unauthorized modifications to downloaded components.