CVE-2015-2760 in Data Loss Prevention Endpoint
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the ePO extension in McAfee Data Loss Prevention Endpoint (DLPe) before 9.3 Patch 4 Hotfix 16 (9.3.416.4) allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2022
The CVE-2015-2760 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the ePO extension of McAfee Data Loss Prevention Endpoint software. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 9.3 Patch 4 Hotfix 16, with the patched version being 9.3.416.4. The issue resides in the web-based interface component that handles user input processing, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is classified as a remote authenticated attack vector, meaning that an attacker must first establish valid credentials to exploit the flaw, though this access requirement does not significantly reduce the risk given the potential for privilege escalation and data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the ePO extension's web interface. When authenticated users interact with the affected system, malicious scripts can be injected through unspecified vectors that likely involve form fields, URL parameters, or other user-controllable input points. This flaw directly maps to CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in software applications. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the browser context of legitimate users, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates a persistent threat vector within enterprise security infrastructure. Organizations utilizing McAfee Data Loss Prevention Endpoint software become vulnerable to attacks that could compromise user sessions and potentially escalate to full system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal sensitive session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or execute malicious code that could further compromise the victim's system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability exists within a security product itself, potentially allowing attackers to bypass security controls that should protect against such threats. This creates a dangerous scenario where the security tool becomes a potential attack vector rather than a protective mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-2760 should prioritize immediate patch deployment to version 9.3.416.4 or later, as this represents the official vendor resolution for the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their McAfee installations to ensure all systems are updated and monitor for any signs of compromise. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation policies, enabling web application firewalls, and conducting regular security audits of all security tools within the enterprise environment. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and control through web shells, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where persistent threats are a concern.