CVE-2017-16067 in node-opencv
Summary
by MITRE
node-opencv was a malicious module published with the intent to hijack environment variables. It has been unpublished by npm.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16067 represents a sophisticated supply chain attack targeting the node.js ecosystem through the npm package registry. This malicious module named node-opencv was designed to exploit the trust model inherent in package managers by masquerading as a legitimate computer vision library while harboring malicious intent. The module's creation demonstrates the critical security risks associated with the npm ecosystem's package installation process and highlights how attackers can leverage the trust users place in published packages to execute malicious activities.
The technical flaw within node-opencv centered on its ability to manipulate environment variables during the installation process. When users installed this malicious package, it would execute code that modified critical environment variables such as PATH, NODE_PATH, and other runtime configuration parameters. This manipulation allowed the attacker to redirect execution flows and potentially inject malicious code into the user's development environment. The module specifically targeted the npm installation mechanism to ensure persistence and maximum impact across different system configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, as the malicious package exploited the default search behavior of npm to place malicious code in execution paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extended beyond simple environment variable manipulation to create a persistent backdoor for attackers. Once installed, node-opencv could potentially intercept and modify the behavior of other packages installed subsequently, creating a vector for further compromise. The malicious module's design allowed it to remain undetected while silently altering system behavior, making it particularly dangerous for developers who might unknowingly install it as a dependency. This type of attack represents a significant threat to software supply chain integrity and demonstrates how attackers can use legitimate package repositories to distribute malware.
Organizations and developers should implement multiple layers of protection against such supply chain attacks. The recommended mitigations include maintaining strict package verification processes, utilizing package integrity checking mechanisms, and implementing automated security scanning for all dependencies. Security teams should consider using private package registries with strict access controls and regularly audit installed packages for suspicious behavior. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of attack under T1127 Software Signing, as it involves malicious code injection through legitimate software distribution channels. Additionally, the vulnerability underscores the importance of using tools like npm audit, Snyk, or similar dependency scanning solutions to identify potentially compromised packages in the software supply chain.