CVE-2014-8522 in Network Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
The MySQL database in McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention (NDLP) before 9.3 does not require a password, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8522 represents a critical authentication flaw within the MySQL database component of McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention software versions prior to 9.3. This issue stems from the absence of password protection for the MySQL database instance, creating an inherent security weakness that significantly undermines the overall security posture of the affected system. The flaw allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to the database without requiring any authentication credentials, effectively eliminating the primary defense mechanism that should protect sensitive data stored within the NDLP environment.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as a failure in the authentication subsystem where the MySQL database service is configured to operate without requiring password validation for database connections. This configuration error creates an attack surface that enables malicious actors to establish database connections directly from remote locations, bypassing all standard authentication protocols. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-305 authentication weakness, specifically representing a scenario where authentication mechanisms are either disabled or improperly configured, leaving systems vulnerable to unauthorized access. The flaw operates at the application level within the database service configuration, making it particularly dangerous as it affects the core data storage component of the security solution itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of data protected by the NDLP solution. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can potentially extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even manipulate the security policies and configurations that the NDLP system is designed to enforce. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario where the very system meant to protect against data loss becomes a vector for data exfiltration and system compromise. The vulnerability also enables potential lateral movement within networks, as compromised database access can provide attackers with insights into network topology and security configurations that might not be visible through other attack vectors.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to McAfee NDLP version 9.3 or later, which addresses this authentication weakness through proper password enforcement for database access. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to database ports, while regular security audits should verify that database services are properly configured with strong authentication mechanisms. The remediation process should also include reviewing and implementing proper access controls, ensuring that only authorized personnel have database access, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized database connection attempts. This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including credential access and privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture improvements.