CVE-2016-10689 in windows-iedriver
Summary
by MITRE
The windows-iedriver module downloads fixed version of iedriverserver.exe windows-iedriver 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 • 06/21/2020
The windows-iedriver module presents a significant security vulnerability that stems from its insecure download mechanism for the iedriverserver.exe binary component. This flaw creates an exploitable pathway for man-in-the-middle attacks that can potentially lead to remote code execution on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the module retrieves binary resources over unencrypted HTTP connections rather than secure HTTPS protocols, leaving the download process susceptible to network-based interference and manipulation by malicious actors positioned within the communication channel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the module's reliance on HTTP for binary downloads, which lacks the cryptographic protection and integrity verification mechanisms that secure protocols provide. When a user or application requests the iedriverserver.exe component through windows-iedriver, the download occurs over an unencrypted channel that can be intercepted, modified, or replaced by an attacker. This insecure communication pattern directly violates security best practices and creates a fundamental weakness in the module's architecture. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and represents a classic example of insecure communication that enables protocol downgrade attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to encompass full remote code execution capabilities. An attacker who successfully manipulates the download process can replace the legitimate iedriverserver.exe binary with a malicious version that executes arbitrary code on the target system. This threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in remote services, and demonstrates how insecure download mechanisms can serve as attack vectors for privilege escalation and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited in environments where users are not technically sophisticated and may not recognize the security implications of unencrypted network communications.
Organizations and developers using windows-iedriver should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including updating to versions that utilize secure HTTPS connections for all binary downloads. The recommended approach involves modifying the module's download mechanism to enforce encrypted communication channels and implement cryptographic verification of downloaded components. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized access to the download resources. The mitigation strategy should also include educating users about the risks associated with unencrypted network communications and the importance of verifying download integrity through checksums or digital signatures. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of secure software distribution practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation details can create substantial security risks in automated testing frameworks.