CVE-2017-3898 in McAfee LiveSafe
Summary
by MITRE
A man-in-the-middle attack vulnerability in the non-certificate-based authentication mechanism in McAfee LiveSafe (MLS) versions prior to 16.0.3 allows network attackers to modify the Windows registry value associated with the McAfee update via the HTTP backend-response.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3898 represents a critical man-in-the-middle attack vector within McAfee LiveSafe versions prior to 16.0.3 that specifically targets the non-certificate-based authentication mechanism. This flaw resides in the HTTP backend-response processing system that handles McAfee update operations on Windows systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication controls that fail to verify the integrity and authenticity of update responses, creating an exploitable condition where network attackers can intercept and manipulate update communications. The attack leverages the absence of proper certificate validation or cryptographic authentication, allowing malicious actors to inject modified content into the update process. This particular weakness affects the Windows registry value management functionality that is crucial for maintaining system security policies and update configurations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-310 as cryptographic vulnerability, specifically related to the lack of proper authentication mechanisms in network communications. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to modify critical registry entries that control McAfee's update behavior, potentially leading to persistent system compromise or the installation of malicious payloads. The attack requires only network access to the victim's machine, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed remotely without physical access or complex exploitation techniques. The impact extends beyond simple registry modification to include potential privilege escalation and system integrity compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to maintain persistent access or deploy additional malware through the compromised update mechanism. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1070.004 for Indicator Removal on Host and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to manipulate legitimate update channels to deliver malicious payloads. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the update authentication architecture, where the system fails to implement proper cryptographic validation of update responses. This vulnerability exists because McAfee LiveSafe prior to version 16.0.3 relied on insecure HTTP connections without proper certificate validation or signature verification mechanisms. The attack vector operates through the HTTP backend-response processing where update commands are received and executed, making it a prime target for network-based attacks. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient authentication controls in networked applications. The remediation process requires upgrading to McAfee LiveSafe version 16.0.3 or later, which implements proper certificate-based authentication and cryptographic validation of update responses. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual update traffic patterns and consider deploying additional network security controls to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation in security software update mechanisms and serves as a reminder of the critical need for certificate validation in network communications. This flaw demonstrates how insecure update mechanisms can become attack vectors for broader system compromise, emphasizing the need for robust authentication and integrity verification in all networked security applications. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates at the system level through Windows registry modifications, potentially affecting multiple security controls and system functions. Organizations should implement immediate network segmentation and monitoring to prevent exploitation attempts while planning the necessary software upgrades to address the underlying authentication weakness. The vulnerability's classification as a man-in-the-middle attack underscores the importance of secure communication channels in security software implementations and the need for proper cryptographic protocols in all update mechanisms.