CVE-2016-1573 in Unity8
Summary
by MITRE
Versions of Unity8 before 8.11+16.04.20160122-0ubuntu1 file plugins/Dash/CardCreator.js will execute any code found in place of a fallback image supplied by a scope.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1573 resides within Unity8, a desktop environment and framework developed by Canonical for Ubuntu systems. This flaw specifically affects versions prior to 8.11+16.04.20160122-0ubuntu1 and is located within the file plugins/Dash/CardCreator.js component. The issue represents a critical security weakness that allows for arbitrary code execution through a carefully crafted malicious image file. The vulnerability operates by exploiting how the system handles fallback images within scope-based applications, creating a pathway for attackers to inject and execute unauthorized code.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the CardCreator.js plugin. When a scope requests an image that fails to load or is unavailable, the system is designed to display a fallback image. However, the implementation fails to properly validate or sanitize the fallback image data, allowing an attacker to supply a malicious image file that contains executable code. This code execution occurs because the system treats the supplied fallback image as trusted content and executes it without proper security checks. The vulnerability essentially creates a code injection vector through the image handling mechanism, where the fallback image serves as the attack payload.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1573 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to execute arbitrary code within the context of the Unity8 desktop environment. This represents a significant threat to system integrity and user security, particularly in environments where users may interact with untrusted content or scopes. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to install malware, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access to affected systems. The vulnerability affects the core desktop environment functionality and could compromise the entire user session, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise or government environments where desktop security is paramount. The issue demonstrates a classic sandbox bypass scenario where a trusted component becomes a vector for unauthorized code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1573 primarily involve upgrading to the patched version 8.11+16.04.20160122-0ubuntu1 or later, which implements proper input validation and sanitization for fallback images. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting access to potentially malicious scopes and implementing network-level controls to prevent unauthorized image downloads. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component," and represents a code injection vulnerability that can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript." Organizations should also implement application whitelisting policies and monitor for unusual image loading behavior within the Unity8 environment to detect potential exploitation attempts.