CVE-2014-8537 in Network Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention (NDLP) before 9.2.2 allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the logs.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8537 affects McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention software versions prior to 9.2.2, representing a significant security weakness that exposes sensitive information to unauthorized local users. This issue stems from inadequate access controls within the logging mechanisms of the NDLP system, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and data exposure. The vulnerability specifically targets the log file accessibility, allowing local attackers to read confidential information that should remain protected within the system's security boundaries. The flaw exists in the software's implementation of file access permissions and logging subsystems, where proper authorization checks are either missing or insufficiently enforced.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of log file permissions within the McAfee NDLP application environment. Local users who can execute processes on the system can leverage this weakness to access log files containing sensitive data such as user credentials, system configurations, network traffic patterns, and potentially proprietary information. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly restrict access to its logging components, allowing any local user to read files that contain information typically protected by access control mechanisms. This represents a classic case of insufficient privilege checking and inadequate file system permission management, which aligns with CWE-284 access control weaknesses and potentially CWE-312 sensitive data exposure.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8537 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed logs may contain critical system information that could aid attackers in conducting further exploitation attempts. Local users who gain access to these logs can potentially identify system vulnerabilities, gather intelligence about network configurations, and discover patterns that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on McAfee NDLP for data protection, as the exposure of log information could compromise the very security measures designed to protect sensitive data. Attackers could use the discovered information to plan targeted attacks against specific system components or to escalate privileges within the network environment.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to McAfee NDLP version 9.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the logging access control issues. System administrators should also review and tighten file permissions on log directories, ensuring that only authorized processes and users can access sensitive logging information. The implementation of additional monitoring and alerting mechanisms around log file access attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, specifically targeting the T1078 legitimate credentials and T1548 legitimate privileges categories. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regular security assessments to prevent similar access control weaknesses from persisting in other system components.