CVE-2017-3934 in McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
Missing HTTP Strict Transport Security state information vulnerability in the server in McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention (NDLP) 9.3.x allows man-in-the-middle attackers to expose confidential data via read files on the webserver.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3934 represents a critical security flaw in McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention version 9.3.x that stems from the absence of proper HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) header implementation. This weakness creates a significant attack surface that enables man-in-the-middle adversaries to exploit the web server component and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability specifically affects the server-side implementation within the McAfee NDLP solution, which is designed to monitor and protect against data exfiltration attempts across network boundaries. When HSTS headers are missing or improperly configured, the web server fails to enforce secure HTTPS connections, leaving the system susceptible to various attack vectors that could compromise the confidentiality of data transmitted through the web interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability resides in the server's failure to implement the HTTP Strict Transport Security mechanism, which is a security feature that helps prevent protocol downgrade attacks and cookie hijacking. Without HSTS, users who access the web interface may be redirected to insecure HTTP connections even when they attempt to use HTTPS, creating an opportunity for attackers to intercept communications and potentially access sensitive files stored on the webserver. This flaw operates at the application layer and affects the web server component specifically, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on McAfee NDLP for network security monitoring and data protection. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security principle of maintaining encrypted communications between clients and the server, allowing attackers to potentially read confidential data that should remain protected within the secure channel.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3934 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates a persistent security risk that could enable attackers to escalate privileges and access additional system resources. Organizations utilizing McAfee NDLP 9.3.x may experience unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files, user credentials, system logs, and potentially classified network data that the solution is designed to protect. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the web server component that typically serves administrative interfaces and management consoles, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise the entire security infrastructure. This weakness could enable adversaries to gain insights into network traffic patterns, security policies, and potentially access to other connected systems that rely on the NDLP solution for data protection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper HSTS header configuration within the web server environment, ensuring that all communications are enforced through secure HTTPS connections. Organizations should immediately update to patched versions of McAfee NDLP where available, as the vendor would have addressed this specific configuration issue. Network administrators should also implement additional monitoring to detect any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their web server configurations to ensure that HSTS headers are properly implemented and that all traffic is redirected to secure connections. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-311, which specifically addresses the absence of sensitive data protection mechanisms, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1041 for data compression and T1071 for application layer protocols, as it affects the secure communication channels that protect sensitive data within network security solutions.