CVE-2014-8519 in Network Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention (NDLP) before 9.2.2 allows local users to read arbitrary files via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8519 affects McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention version 9.2.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to access arbitrary files on affected systems. This unspecified vulnerability exists within the file access mechanisms of the NDLP software, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this data loss prevention solution. The vulnerability specifically targets local users who already have access to the system, meaning the attack vector does not require network exposure or remote exploitation capabilities. The affected software operates at the system level where it processes and monitors network traffic for sensitive data, making the potential impact of unauthorized file access particularly severe given the nature of data loss prevention tools.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the McAfee NDLP application. Local users can leverage this flaw to bypass normal file access restrictions and retrieve files that should remain protected or restricted. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the category of privilege escalation or information disclosure issues, where the attacker can escalate their privileges to access sensitive system resources. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, potentially including improper file handling, inadequate permission checks, or flawed authentication mechanisms within the application's architecture. Such vulnerabilities often arise from inadequate security testing during development phases or insufficient adherence to secure coding practices.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8519 extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model of the affected system. Organizations utilizing McAfee NDLP for protecting sensitive information face potential exposure of confidential data, including customer records, financial information, intellectual property, and other proprietary assets that the software is specifically designed to protect. The local access requirement means that attackers must already have some level of system presence, but this could be achieved through various means including compromised user accounts, insider threats, or lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability undermines the core security assumptions of the data loss prevention solution, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including prompt application of the vendor-provided security patches and updates to upgrade to McAfee NDLP version 9.2.2 or later. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement additional monitoring measures to detect unauthorized file access patterns. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of compromised accounts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and may also relate to CWE-22, representing improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability could be categorized under the ATT&CK framework as privilege escalation or credential access techniques, potentially enabling attackers to gather additional intelligence or access further system resources. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other security tools and applications within the organization's infrastructure.