CVE-2016-10695 in npm-test-sqlite3-trunk
Summary
by MITRE
The npm-test-sqlite3-trunk module provides asynchronous, non-blocking SQLite3 bindings. npm-test-sqlite3-trunk 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 npm-test-sqlite3-trunk module represents a critical security vulnerability in the Node.js ecosystem that stems from its insecure handling of binary resource downloads. This module provides asynchronous SQLite3 bindings for Node.js applications and relies on downloading pre-compiled binary components over HTTP connections. The fundamental flaw lies in the absence of cryptographic verification mechanisms during the download process, creating an exploitable attack surface that directly violates security best practices outlined in industry standards such as CWE-319. The vulnerability affects the module's ability to authenticate downloaded binaries, leaving applications susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks where attackers can intercept and replace legitimate binary files with malicious alternatives.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the network transport layer where HTTP requests are made without any integrity checks or certificate validation. When the npm-test-sqlite3-trunk module executes, it establishes unencrypted HTTP connections to remote servers to fetch binary resources required for SQLite3 functionality. This approach exposes the module to several attack vectors including ARP spoofing, DNS hijacking, and network traffic interception. The lack of secure communication protocols means that any attacker positioned within the network path between the client and the remote server can perform traffic manipulation attacks that fall under the ATT&CK framework's T1046 (Network Service Scanning) and T1566 (Phishing with Social Engineering) techniques. The vulnerability specifically enables a remote code execution (RCE) scenario because the downloaded binary components are executed directly by the Node.js application without any verification of their authenticity or integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially allow full system takeover of affected applications. When an attacker successfully substitutes a legitimate binary with a malicious one, they can execute arbitrary code within the context of the Node.js process, which typically runs with the privileges of the user who installed the module. This represents a severe privilege escalation vulnerability that can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistence mechanisms. The attack requires minimal sophistication since it leverages fundamental network security weaknesses rather than complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous for widespread adoption. Applications using this module become vulnerable to supply chain attacks where attackers compromise the distribution infrastructure to deliver malicious binaries that appear legitimate to the application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. The primary recommendation involves updating to newer versions of the module that implement secure download mechanisms using HTTPS with certificate validation, or switching to alternative SQLite3 implementations that properly handle binary downloads through secure channels. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate man-in-the-middle attacks, and consider deploying network segmentation to limit the attack surface. The solution aligns with security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 controls for secure configuration and the OWASP Top Ten's A06:2021 - Security Misconfiguration. Additionally, implementing dependency verification mechanisms through tools like npm audit, yarn audit, or software composition analysis tools can help identify vulnerable modules in the dependency tree. The module's maintainers should adopt secure coding practices that include cryptographic verification of downloaded resources, as recommended by the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards and the Open Web Application Security Project's secure coding guidelines.