CVE-2019-10250 in UC Browser
Summary
by MITRE
UCWeb UC Browser 7.0.185.1002 on Windows uses HTTP for downloading certain PDF modules, which allows MITM attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10250 affects UCWeb UC Browser version 7.0.185.1002 running on Windows operating systems. This security flaw stems from the browser's implementation of downloading specific PDF modules using the unencrypted HTTP protocol instead of the more secure HTTPS variant. The use of HTTP in this context creates a significant attack surface that adversaries can exploit to compromise user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability represents a critical failure in the browser's security architecture, as it exposes users to man-in-the-middle attacks that can intercept and potentially modify network traffic. This particular implementation weakness demonstrates a fundamental lack of security awareness in the browser's design, particularly regarding the transmission of sensitive components that users expect to be delivered securely.
The technical flaw manifests when the browser attempts to download PDF modules from remote servers using HTTP connections. This insecure transmission method allows attackers positioned within the network path between the user and the server to perform various malicious activities including traffic interception, content modification, and session hijacking. The vulnerability specifically affects the browser's handling of PDF-related components, which are typically downloaded as part of the browser's functionality to provide enhanced document viewing capabilities. When these modules are transmitted over HTTP, they become susceptible to manipulation by attackers who can inject malicious code or redirect users to compromised destinations. This behavior directly violates the principle of secure communication and represents a clear violation of security best practices established by industry standards.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that compromise user privacy and system integrity. Attackers can exploit this weakness to inject malicious code into the downloaded PDF modules, potentially leading to remote code execution or privilege escalation within the user's browser environment. The vulnerability also exposes users to session manipulation attacks where authentication tokens or other sensitive information could be intercepted and reused. Additionally, the insecure download mechanism can facilitate phishing attacks by allowing attackers to replace legitimate PDF modules with malicious alternatives that appear identical to users. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where users may be accessing sensitive corporate data through the affected browser, creating potential pathways for data exfiltration and lateral movement attacks.
Organizations and users should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability, including updating to the latest version of UCWeb UC Browser where the issue has been resolved. The recommended approach involves enforcing secure communication protocols throughout the browser's operation, ensuring that all component downloads occur over encrypted HTTPS connections. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and deep packet inspection to detect and prevent unauthorized HTTP traffic. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper use of HTTP instead of HTTPS. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access through network sniffing and initial access through malicious document delivery, making it a significant threat vector that requires immediate attention. The incident highlights the importance of maintaining secure coding practices and the necessity of thorough security testing, particularly for applications that handle sensitive user data or provide access to network resources.