CVE-2016-8006 in Enterprise Security Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Authentication bypass vulnerability in Enterprise Security Manager (ESM) and License Manager (LM) in Intel Security McAfee Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) 9.6.0 MR3 allows an administrator to make changes to other SIEM users' information including user passwords without supplying the current administrator password a second time via the GUI or GUI terminal commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-8006 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Intel Security McAfee's Security Information and Event Management platform version 9.6.0 MR3. This issue affects both the Enterprise Security Manager and License Manager components, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on these systems for their security operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface and command execution mechanisms, allowing unauthorized access to user management functions without proper authentication verification.
This authentication bypass occurs through the graphical user interface and command-line terminal interfaces, where an authenticated administrator can manipulate other users' account information including passwords without re-entering their own administrator credentials. The flaw essentially removes the requirement for secondary authentication when performing user management operations, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized account modifications. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where access controls should normally enforce strict authentication requirements before allowing administrative actions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password changes, as it enables attackers with access to any administrator account to potentially compromise multiple user accounts within the SIEM environment. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on centralized security management, as it allows for unauthorized access to security logs, threat intelligence, and other critical system functions. The vulnerability undermines the principle of least privilege by allowing any authenticated administrator to modify other users' credentials without additional verification, potentially enabling lateral movement within the security infrastructure.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for Valid Accounts - Default Accounts and T1566.001 for Phishing - Spearphishing Attachment. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor mechanism that bypasses normal authentication procedures, allowing attackers to modify user accounts and potentially gain persistence within the security infrastructure. Organizations utilizing this version of McAfee SIEM should immediately implement compensating controls and consider network segmentation to limit the impact of potential exploitation.
The recommended mitigations include applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing additional access controls through network firewalls, and establishing stricter monitoring of administrative activities. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive audits of their administrative accounts and review access permissions to ensure that only authorized personnel have administrative privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication mechanisms in security management systems, where a single flaw can compromise the entire security infrastructure and potentially allow attackers to evade detection while maintaining persistent access to critical systems.