CVE-2016-8501 in Yandex
Summary
by MITRE
Security WiFi bypass in Yandex Browser from version 15.10 to 15.12 allows remote attacker to sniff traffic in open or WEP-protected wi-fi networks despite of special security mechanism is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8501 represents a critical security flaw in Yandex Browser versions 15.10 through 15.12 that compromises the integrity of wireless network communications. This issue specifically targets the browser's handling of wireless security mechanisms, creating a pathway for remote attackers to bypass established security protocols. The vulnerability manifests when users connect to open or WEP-protected Wi-Fi networks, where the browser's security features fail to properly protect against traffic interception. This weakness directly contradicts the fundamental security expectations of modern web browsers, particularly those designed to protect users in potentially hostile network environments. The flaw essentially undermines the trust model that users place in their browser's security mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to access sensitive data that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate handling of wireless network security contexts within the browser's networking stack. When users connect to unprotected or weakly secured Wi-Fi networks, the browser fails to properly enforce security boundaries that would normally prevent traffic sniffing. This allows attackers positioned within the same network segment to capture and analyze transmitted data, including potentially sensitive information such as cookies, session tokens, and other network communications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network protocol level, where the browser's security mechanisms should act as a protective barrier between the user and the potentially malicious network environment. This flaw represents a failure in the browser's network security architecture, specifically in how it manages and enforces security policies for wireless connections. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-310 as a cryptographic weakness, though it more accurately represents a protocol-level security bypass that affects the entire network communication stack.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8501 extends beyond simple traffic interception, creating potential for significant data compromise in environments where users expect protection from network-based attacks. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, capture authentication credentials, and potentially access sensitive personal or corporate information transmitted over the insecure networks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in public Wi-Fi environments where users may unknowingly connect to malicious networks, or in corporate settings where employees use the browser on untrusted wireless networks. This flaw directly impacts the browser's ability to provide the security assurances that users rely upon, potentially leading to credential theft, session hijacking, and other network-based attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges or complex attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with minimal technical expertise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate remediation through software updates that address the underlying security flaw in the browser's wireless network handling mechanisms. Users should upgrade to Yandex Browser versions that have been patched to properly enforce security boundaries when connecting to open or WEP-protected networks. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect and alert on suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The security community should consider this vulnerability as part of broader ATT&CK framework tactics related to credential access and network sniffing, where attackers leverage browser security weaknesses to bypass network protections. Additionally, network administrators should enforce stronger wireless security policies, including mandatory use of WPA2 encryption and network segmentation to limit the impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of continuous security testing and validation of browser security features, particularly those that interact with network protocols and wireless security mechanisms.