CVE-2016-10681 in roslib-socketio
Summary
by MITRE
roslib-socketio - The standard ROS Javascript Library fork for add support to socket.io roslib-socketio 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 • 02/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10681 affects the roslib-socketio library, which serves as a JavaScript implementation for Robot Operating System (ROS) communication using socket.io protocols. This library represents a critical security gap in the ROS ecosystem, particularly in environments where wireless networks are prevalent and network traffic interception is possible. The flaw resides in how the library handles binary resource downloads, specifically through unencrypted HTTP connections rather than secure HTTPS protocols, creating a fundamental weakness in the communication stack that enables attackers to exploit the system through man-in-the-middle attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the library's failure to enforce secure communication channels when downloading binary resources. When roslib-socketio attempts to fetch resources from remote servers, it defaults to HTTP protocol which transmits data in plaintext without encryption or integrity verification. This design decision directly violates security best practices and creates multiple attack vectors for threat actors positioned within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-319 as "Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1041 for Data Obfuscation through network interception methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it potentially enables remote code execution capabilities for attackers who can successfully perform man-in-the-middle attacks. An attacker positioned between the client and server can intercept HTTP requests and replace legitimate binary resources with malicious copies, effectively compromising the integrity of the entire ROS system. This scenario becomes particularly dangerous in robotics environments where ROS systems control critical infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, or industrial automation systems where unauthorized code execution could result in physical damage, safety hazards, or complete system compromise. The attack surface is widened by the fact that many ROS deployments occur in unsecured wireless environments where such positioning is relatively straightforward.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of secure communication protocols throughout the roslib-socketio library ecosystem. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to versions that enforce HTTPS connections for all binary resource downloads, implementing certificate validation mechanisms, and ensuring proper TLS configuration. Network administrators should consider deploying additional security controls such as DNS filtering, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious HTTP traffic patterns. The fix should also include implementing content integrity verification mechanisms to detect unauthorized modifications to downloaded resources, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize defense in depth and secure by design principles. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their ROS deployments to identify all potential attack vectors and ensure proper network hygiene practices are maintained across all connected systems.