CVE-2016-8010 in McAfee Application Control
Summary
by MITRE
Application protections bypass vulnerability in Intel Security McAfee Application Control (MAC) 7.0 allows local users to bypass local security protection via a command-line utility .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2017
The CVE-2016-8010 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Intel Security McAfee Application Control version 7.0 that undermines the fundamental protection mechanisms designed to prevent unauthorized application execution. This vulnerability specifically targets the application control policies that are meant to enforce security boundaries within enterprise environments, creating a pathway for local attackers to circumvent these protective measures. The flaw exists within the command-line utility component of the software, which is typically used for administrative tasks but becomes a vector for privilege escalation and policy bypass when exploited. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple access control as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the application control framework that organizations rely upon to maintain secure computing environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and access control mechanisms within the McAfee Application Control command-line interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by executing specific commands that bypass the normal policy enforcement procedures, effectively allowing unauthorized applications to run without proper authorization checks. The flaw likely involves improper privilege handling where the command-line utility does not adequately verify the security context or permissions of the executing user, enabling local users to manipulate the application control policies directly. This bypass mechanism operates at the kernel or system-level where the application control policies are enforced, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who may not have administrative privileges initially. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access but does not necessitate network connectivity, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical access control is insufficient.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8010 extends far beyond a simple privilege escalation scenario as it allows attackers to completely circumvent application control policies that are critical for enterprise security. Organizations using McAfee Application Control 7.0 become vulnerable to persistent threats where malicious actors can deploy unauthorized software without detection, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability undermines the core security posture of enterprises that depend on application control as a primary defense mechanism against zero-day exploits and malware. Security teams face significant challenges in detecting such attacks as they occur within the legitimate application control framework, making them appear as authorized system operations. The risk is particularly elevated in regulated industries where compliance requirements mandate strict application control measures, as this vulnerability could result in regulatory violations and compliance failures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8010 should focus on immediate patching of the McAfee Application Control software to the latest available version that addresses the vulnerability. Organizations should also implement additional access controls around the command-line utilities, including restricting access to privileged accounts and monitoring command execution logs for suspicious activity. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and may be related to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through application control bypass. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized policy modifications and unusual command-line activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other security control mechanisms within the enterprise environment.