CVE-2015-8991 in McAfee Security Scan+
Summary
by MITRE
Malicious file execution vulnerability in Intel Security McAfee Security Scan+ (MSS+) before 3.11.266.3 allows attackers to make the product momentarily vulnerable via executing preexisting specifically crafted malware during installation or uninstallation, but not during normal operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-8991 represents a critical security flaw within Intel Security McAfee Security Scan+ (MSS+) software version 3.11.266.2 and earlier. This issue manifests as a malicious file execution vulnerability that exploits a window of opportunity during the software installation or uninstallation processes, creating a temporary security gap that adversaries can leverage. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it occurs outside of normal operational modes, meaning that the protection mechanisms typically active during regular system usage are bypassed during these specific phases.
The technical nature of this flaw stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of files during the installation and uninstallation procedures of the MSS+ product. Attackers can craft specifically designed malware payloads that, when executed during these processes, can exploit the vulnerable system state to gain unauthorized execution privileges. This vulnerability operates under the principle of privilege escalation through installation vectors, where the normal security boundaries that protect the system during typical operation are temporarily relaxed during the software lifecycle management phases. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in the software's ability to properly handle file execution during system modification operations, which aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-74 categories related to improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands and injection flaws.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple execution of malicious code, as it provides attackers with a window to compromise systems that are typically well-protected. During installation or uninstallation, the MSS+ software may not be fully enforcing its security policies, creating a temporal vulnerability that adversaries can exploit to deploy persistent malware or establish backdoors. This situation creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where security scanning tools are deployed, as these systems may be targeted specifically to gain elevated privileges through the installation process. The vulnerability's timing during system modification phases also makes it particularly dangerous because it can be used to bypass traditional security controls that are active during normal system operation.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is particularly concerning from an attacker's perspective as it leverages legitimate system processes to execute malicious code, making detection more challenging. The attack vector requires careful crafting of malware specifically designed to exploit this temporal window, but the potential for successful compromise is high given that the target software is designed to run with elevated privileges during installation. Organizations using MSS+ versions prior to 3.11.266.3 should consider immediate remediation through patching, as the vulnerability does not affect normal operation but creates a critical window of exposure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the installation and uninstallation phases of software lifecycle management as a means to gain system access.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected MSS+ versions to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement monitoring for suspicious installation or uninstallation activities, particularly when these processes occur during critical system maintenance windows. Network segmentation and endpoint protection measures should be enhanced to detect and prevent the execution of unauthorized code during these vulnerable periods. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing strict access controls and privileged access management to limit who can initiate installation or uninstallation processes on systems running affected software versions. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure software development practices and proper input validation during all phases of software lifecycle management, particularly during system modification operations where elevated privileges are typically granted.