CVE-2016-10678 in serc.js
Summary
by MITRE
serc.js is a Selenium RC process wrapper serc.js 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-2016-10678 resides within serc.js, a Selenium RC process wrapper component that serves as an intermediary for automating web browser interactions. This tool operates by downloading binary resources over unencrypted HTTP connections, creating a fundamental security flaw that exposes systems to man-in-the-middle attacks. The primary concern emerges from the lack of cryptographic verification mechanisms during the resource download process, which allows adversaries to intercept and modify the data flow between the client and remote servers. The vulnerability operates under the principle that when sensitive binary components are transmitted over HTTP, they become susceptible to tampering by malicious actors who can position themselves within the network traffic path to execute their attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from serc.js's reliance on insecure HTTP protocols for retrieving necessary binary resources required for Selenium RC operations. When the wrapper attempts to download these components, it fails to implement proper certificate validation or cryptographic integrity checks that would normally protect against unauthorized modifications. This design flaw directly correlates to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway involves an attacker who can either be positioned on the same network segment as the target system or who has the capability to intercept network traffic between the client and the remote resource servers. Once the attacker successfully substitutes the legitimate binary resources with malicious copies, they can potentially achieve remote code execution within the context of the Selenium RC process, effectively compromising the entire automated testing environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it represents a critical compromise of the software supply chain integrity. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious code into the Selenium automation framework, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary commands on the target system with the privileges of the user running the serc.js process. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, as well as T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation through the manipulation of system components. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on automated web testing frameworks, particularly those operating in environments where network security controls may be insufficient to prevent traffic interception. The consequences include potential data breaches, system compromise, and the ability for attackers to establish persistent access through the compromised automation infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10678 require immediate implementation of secure communication protocols throughout the Selenium RC ecosystem. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to versions of serc.js that implement HTTPS for all binary resource downloads, ensuring that cryptographic certificates are properly validated and that integrity checks are performed on all downloaded components. Network administrators must deploy proper traffic inspection and filtering mechanisms to prevent unauthorized interception of sensitive communications. The implementation of certificate pinning techniques and the enforcement of secure protocol usage through configuration management policies will significantly reduce the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation strategies to limit the exposure of automated testing environments to untrusted network segments, thereby reducing the likelihood of successful man-in-the-middle attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure that all components within the Selenium RC framework maintain secure communication practices. The remediation process should also include comprehensive security awareness training for development teams to prevent similar insecure coding practices in future implementations of automation tools and processes.