CVE-2016-10676 in rs-brightcove
Summary
by MITRE
rs-brightcove is a wrapper around brightcove's web api rs-brightcove downloads source file 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-2016-10676 resides within the rs-brightcove package, which serves as a wrapper for Brightcove's web API implementation. This tool facilitates the downloading of source file resources through unencrypted HTTP connections rather than secure HTTPS protocols. The fundamental security flaw lies in the package's failure to implement proper transport layer security measures, creating an exploitable condition that violates established security best practices for network communications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the package attempts to retrieve resources from remote servers without verifying the authenticity or integrity of the transmitted data, leaving the system exposed to various man-in-the-middle attack vectors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-documented attack pattern that aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. When an attacker positions themselves on the network path between the victim system and the remote server, they can intercept HTTP traffic and manipulate the requested resources. This attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows for resource substitution attacks where malicious actors can replace legitimate files with attacker-controlled content. The vulnerability creates a pathway for remote code execution through the manipulation of downloaded resources, as the system blindly accepts and processes files retrieved over the insecure HTTP connection without any integrity checks or authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it provides attackers with potential access to execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of the rs-brightcove package. This represents a critical security risk for organizations that rely on the package for content management or media processing workflows. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple systems may be using this package, potentially creating a scalable attack vector that could affect numerous endpoints simultaneously. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which describes the use of application layer protocols for command and control communications, as the insecure HTTP connections can be leveraged for malicious payload delivery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both the immediate security gap and establish long-term defensive measures. The primary recommendation involves implementing secure HTTPS connections for all resource downloads, which directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability by encrypting data in transit. Organizations should also implement certificate pinning mechanisms to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, as outlined in industry standards for secure API communication. Additional protective measures include network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems, implementation of network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns, and regular security audits to identify other potential insecure HTTP connections within the infrastructure. The remediation process should also involve updating all affected systems to versions that properly implement secure transport protocols and conducting comprehensive security training for developers to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future code implementations.