CVE-2016-8027 in McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in core services in Intel Security McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator (ePO) 5.3.2 and earlier and 5.1.3 and earlier allows attackers to alter a SQL query, which can result in disclosure of information within the database or impersonation of an agent without authentication via a specially crafted HTTP post.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2024
The CVE-2016-8027 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw within the core services of Intel Security McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator versions 5.3.2 and earlier, as well as 5.1.3 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the authentication and query processing mechanisms of the ePO platform, which is widely used for endpoint security management across enterprise environments. The flaw specifically affects the way the system handles incoming http post requests containing crafted sql payloads that can manipulate database queries through the core service components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental authentication and authorization mechanisms of the ePO platform, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive security data and system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of sql queries executed by the ePO core services when processing specially crafted http post requests. Attackers can inject malicious sql code that alters the intended database query execution path, enabling them to extract sensitive information from the underlying database without proper authentication credentials. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data within the ePO service layer, allowing sql injection payloads to bypass normal security controls. This flaw specifically impacts the authentication mechanisms that rely on database queries to verify user credentials and agent identities, creating a pathway for attackers to impersonate legitimate agents and gain unauthorized access to the security management platform.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8027 extends beyond simple data disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to fully compromise the ePO management platform. Successful exploitation can result in complete database access, allowing threat actors to extract sensitive endpoint information, security policies, and configuration data that would normally be protected within the ePO environment. The vulnerability's ability to enable agent impersonation means that attackers can potentially bypass endpoint detection and response mechanisms, as the compromised agent would appear legitimate to the security infrastructure. This creates a persistent threat vector that could allow attackers to maintain long-term access to the enterprise security infrastructure while remaining undetected by standard monitoring systems. The vulnerability affects organizations using ePO for critical security management functions, potentially exposing them to advanced persistent threats and insider attacks.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches released for this vulnerability, which address the sql injection flaws in the core ePO services. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to ePO management interfaces, limiting exposure to privileged network segments. Input validation and sanitization measures should be enhanced across all ePO service components to prevent malicious sql payloads from reaching database execution layers. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block suspicious http post requests containing sql injection patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential exploitation vectors, with particular attention to the authentication and database interaction components of the ePO platform. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures for unusual database access patterns and unauthorized agent activities that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 sql injection weakness category and represents a significant risk under ATT&CK framework's credential access and defense evasion techniques, particularly targeting the ePO platform's authentication and database interaction services.