CVE-2016-10696 in windows-latestchromedriver
Summary
by MITRE
windows-latestchromedriver downloads the latest version of chromedriver.exe. windows-latestchromedriver 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-2016-10696 resides within the windows-latestchromedriver component that automatically downloads the latest version of chromedriver.exe for Windows environments. This automated download mechanism represents a critical security flaw in the software supply chain, as it retrieves binary resources over unencrypted HTTP connections rather than secure HTTPS protocols. The vulnerability stems from the fundamental weakness in trusting network communications without proper encryption and authentication mechanisms, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise system integrity.
The technical flaw manifests when the windows-latestchromedriver component establishes HTTP connections to download chromedriver.exe binaries from remote servers. This unencrypted communication channel exposes the download process to man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors positioned between the client and server can intercept, modify, or replace the downloaded binary with a compromised version. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of network communication protocols, and represents a classic example of insecure communication that violates fundamental security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it creates a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. When an attacker successfully substitutes the legitimate chromedriver.exe binary with a malicious one, they can execute arbitrary code on the victim's system with the privileges of the user running the download process. This risk is particularly severe in enterprise environments where automated build systems or continuous integration pipelines might be using this component, potentially allowing attackers to compromise entire development infrastructures. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1195 which covers content injection attacks, and T1059 which encompasses execution through command and scripting interpreters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10696 require immediate implementation of secure communication protocols throughout the software supply chain. Organizations should ensure that all binary downloads occur over HTTPS connections with proper certificate validation to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. The windows-latestchromedriver component should be updated to enforce encrypted connections and implement binary integrity verification mechanisms such as cryptographic checksums or digital signatures to validate downloaded files. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing network monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized modifications to download traffic, while security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all automated download processes within their infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation approach should also include establishing secure software repositories and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to distribution points, thereby addressing both the immediate vulnerability and broader supply chain security concerns that this flaw exposes.