CVE-2016-10570:pngcrush-installer versions below 1.8.10 download binaries over HTTP, making them vulnerable to MITM attacks that could lead to remote code execution.

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pngcrush-installer, a package that installs the Pngcrush utility, has a critical security vulnerability in versions prior to 1.8.10. The package downloads binary resources over unencrypted HTTP connections rather than HTTPS, exposing users to Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks. An attacker positioned on the network between the user and the remote server could intercept the HTTP traffic and replace the legitimate binary with malicious code. When executed, this malicious binary could result in remote code execution on the victim's system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Overview

The vulnerability in pngcrush-installer (CVE-2016-10570) stems from its use of insecure HTTP protocol for downloading binary resources. This practice violates secure cryptographic practices (CWE-310) by failing to encrypt the communication channel. When a user installs or updates the package, the installer retrieves the binary from a remote server without encryption. This creates an opportunity for network-positioned attackers to intercept and modify the binary during transit. Since the downloaded content is executable code that runs with the user's privileges, a successful attack could result in arbitrary code execution on the target system. This vulnerability affects all versions of pngcrush-installer prior to version 1.8.10.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, users should immediately update pngcrush-installer to version 1.8.10 or later, which fixes the issue by using HTTPS for binary downloads. If updating is not immediately possible, consider the following mitigations:

  1. Download the pngcrush binary manually from a trusted source over HTTPS
  2. Use pngcrush-installer only on trusted networks where MITM attacks are unlikely
  3. Verify the integrity of downloaded binaries using checksums if available
  4. Consider using alternative PNG optimization tools that implement secure download mechanisms

Package maintainers should ensure all resource downloads occur over HTTPS and implement integrity verification through checksums or digital signatures to prevent tampering.

References

  1. Node Security Advisory: https://nodesecurity.io/advisories/189
  2. CWE-310: Cryptographic Issues - https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/310.html
  3. OWASP Transport Layer Protection Cheat Sheet - https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Transport_Layer_Protection_Cheat_Sheet.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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