CVE-2016-10691 in windows-seleniumjar
Summary
by MITRE
windows-seleniumjar is a module that downloads the Selenium Jar file windows-seleniumjar 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-2016-10691 resides within the windows-seleniumjar module, which serves as a utility for downloading Selenium Jar files on Windows systems. This module operates by fetching binary resources from remote servers to facilitate automated web browser testing capabilities. The primary security flaw stems from the module's reliance on unencrypted HTTP protocols for resource retrieval rather than secure HTTPS connections. This design choice creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit through man-in-the-middle positioning.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic insecure communication pattern where the module performs no validation of the downloaded resources or verification of their integrity. When the windows-seleniumjar module requests Selenium binaries over HTTP, it exposes the communication channel to potential interception and modification by malicious actors. The absence of cryptographic verification mechanisms means that attackers can seamlessly replace legitimate binaries with malicious copies without detection. This weakness directly maps to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network protocols, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage involving web protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a pathway for remote code execution within the victim environment. When an attacker successfully substitutes the legitimate Selenium Jar file with a malicious version, they can potentially execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the user running the windows-seleniumjar module. This represents a critical security risk for development environments, continuous integration systems, and automated testing infrastructure where such modules are commonly deployed. The vulnerability affects systems where the attacker has network access or can establish positioning between the victim and the remote server, making it particularly dangerous in shared network environments or when users connect through untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10691 should focus on implementing secure communication protocols and integrity verification mechanisms. Organizations should immediately transition from HTTP to HTTPS for all resource downloads and implement cryptographic checksum validation for downloaded binaries. The module should be updated to include certificate pinning or public key verification to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Additionally, network-level protections such as DNS filtering, proxy configurations, and firewall rules can help prevent unauthorized access to the vulnerable module's download endpoints. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual network traffic patterns and unauthorized binary modifications. The remediation approach aligns with NIST SP 800-53 security controls that emphasize secure communications and integrity verification, while also addressing ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and code injection through compromised software supply chains.