CVE-2016-10675 in libsbmlsim
Summary
by MITRE
libsbmlsim is a module that installs linux binaries for libsbmlsim libsbmlsim 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.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10675 resides within the libsbmlsim software module, which serves as a simulation framework for systems biology models. This module operates by installing linux binaries that enable scientific computing applications to function within biological simulation environments. The primary security concern emerges from the module's implementation of insecure communication protocols during the binary resource acquisition process, specifically utilizing unencrypted http connections for downloading necessary components. This design flaw creates a fundamental weakness in the software's security posture that directly violates established security best practices for software distribution and dependency management.
The technical flaw represents a classic man-in-the-middle attack vector where an adversary positioned within the network traffic path can intercept and manipulate the communication between the libsbmlsim module and its remote resource servers. When the module attempts to download binary resources over HTTP, it establishes a plaintext connection that lacks both authentication and encryption mechanisms. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information via insecure transmission channels. The attacker's ability to swap requested resources with malicious copies stems from the absence of cryptographic verification mechanisms such as digital signatures or checksum validation. The lack of transport layer security allows for packet interception, modification, and replacement of legitimate binary components with attacker-controlled payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to encompass full remote code execution capabilities within the victim's system. When an attacker successfully replaces legitimate binary resources with malicious counterparts, they can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the user running the libsbmlsim module. This represents a critical escalation from passive information theft to active system compromise, enabling potential lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, and establishment of persistent access points. The vulnerability affects systems where users have network access to the libsbmlsim module's download process, making it particularly dangerous in shared network environments such as research institutions, laboratories, or corporate networks where multiple users may be accessing the same software components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10675 should focus on implementing secure communication protocols and verification mechanisms. The most effective approach involves transitioning from HTTP to HTTPS for all binary resource downloads, which provides both encryption and authentication through TLS certificates. Additionally, implementing cryptographic checksum verification or digital signatures for all downloaded components would prevent substitution attacks even if network interception occurs. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to external resources, though this approach provides only partial protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following ATT&CK framework principles regarding secure software development practices, particularly the mitigation of initial access vectors through secure communication channels. Regular security audits should verify that all software dependencies are downloaded through authenticated and encrypted channels, and that proper verification mechanisms are in place to detect tampered components. The incident highlights the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against various attack vectors while ensuring that software distribution mechanisms remain secure throughout the entire software lifecycle.