CVE-2016-10620

atom-node-module-installer installs node modules for atom-shell applications. atom-node-module-installer binary resources over HTTP, which leaves it vulnerable to MITM attacks. It may be possible to cause remote code execution (RCE) by swapping out the requested binary with an attacker controlled binary if the attacker is on the network or positioned in between the user and the remote server.

atom-node-module-installer installs node modules for atom-shell applications. atom-node-module-installer binary resources over HTTP, which leaves it vulnerable to MITM attacks. It may be possible to cause remote code execution (RCE) by swapping out the requested binary with an attacker controlled binary if the attacker is on the network or positioned in between the user and the remote server.

atom-node-module-installer installs node modules for atom-shell applications. atom-node-module-installer binary resources over HTTP, which leaves it vulnerable to MITM attacks. It may be possible to cause remote code execution (RCE) by swapping out the requested binary with an attacker controlled binary if the attacker is on the network or positioned in between the user and the remote server.

Affected versions of atom-node-module-installer insecurely download an executable over an unencrypted HTTP connection.

In scenarios where an attacker has a privileged network position, it is possible to intercept the response and replace the executable with a malicious one, resulting in code execution on the system running atom-node-module-installer.

Recommendation

No patch is currently available for this vulnerability, and the package has not been updated since 2014.

The best mitigation is currently to avoid using this package, using a different package if available.

Alternatively, the risk of exploitation can be reduced by ensuring that this package is not installed while connected to a public network. If the package is installed on a private network, the only people who can exploit this vulnerability are those who have compromised your network or those who have privileged access to your ISP, such as Nation State Actors or Rogue ISP Employees.

Affected versions of atom-node-module-installer insecurely download an executable over an unencrypted HTTP connection.

In scenarios where an attacker has a privileged network position, it is possible to intercept the response and replace the executable with a malicious one, resulting in code execution on the system running atom-node-module-installer.

Recommendation

No patch is currently available for this vulnerability, and the package has not been updated since 2014.

The best mitigation is currently to avoid using this package, using a different package if available.

Alternatively, the risk of exploitation can be reduced by ensuring that this package is not installed while connected to a public network. If the package is installed on a private network, the only people who can exploit this vulnerability are those who have compromised your network or those who have privileged access to your ISP, such as Nation State Actors or Rogue ISP Employees.