CVE-2014-8526 in Network Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention (NDLP) before 9.3 allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading a Java stack trace.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8526 affects McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention software versions prior to 9.3, representing a significant security weakness that exposes sensitive system information to unauthorized local users. This issue manifests through the improper handling of Java stack traces within the NDLP application, creating an information disclosure vulnerability that could potentially be exploited by malicious actors with local system access. The vulnerability resides in the application's failure to adequately sanitize or suppress stack trace information that is generated during error conditions, allowing attackers to gain insights into the internal workings of the security solution.
The technical flaw stems from the application's insufficient error handling mechanisms that result in Java stack trace information being exposed to local users who can read the application files or process memory. When the NDLP software encounters an error condition, it generates a Java stack trace that contains detailed information about the application's internal state, including file paths, class names, method signatures, and potentially sensitive configuration details. This exposure occurs because the software does not properly implement secure error handling practices that would prevent such sensitive information from being accessible to unauthorized users. The vulnerability is classified as a local information disclosure issue, meaning that exploitation requires local system access but does not require network connectivity or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed stack trace information could provide attackers with valuable insights for crafting more sophisticated attacks against the NDLP system. The sensitive data revealed through the stack trace may include internal application architecture details, potential security misconfigurations, and system paths that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on McAfee NDLP for protecting sensitive data, as the information disclosure could enable attackers to better understand the security controls in place and potentially identify additional weaknesses within the network security infrastructure. The exposure of such information creates a significant risk for organizations implementing data loss prevention strategies, as it undermines the security posture by revealing implementation details that could be exploited.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to McAfee NDLP version 9.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this information disclosure vulnerability. System administrators should also review and harden the error handling mechanisms within the application to ensure that stack trace information is properly suppressed or logged securely. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-209, which describes "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should be addressed through proper input validation and error handling. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability falls under the information gathering phase, potentially enabling adversaries to perform reconnaissance activities that could lead to more serious compromise of the security infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging controls to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish proper incident response procedures to address any suspected information disclosure events.