CVE-2017-3948 in Data Loss Prevention Endpoint
Summary
by MITRE
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) in IMG Tags in the ePO extension in McAfee Data Loss Prevention Endpoint (DLP Endpoint) 10.0.x allows authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via injecting malicious JavaScript into a user's browsing session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3948 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the McAfee Data Loss Prevention Endpoint 10.0.x product line, specifically affecting the ePO extension component. This vulnerability exists in the handling of IMG tags and allows authenticated attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. The flaw resides in the improper sanitization of user-supplied input when processing image tags, creating an avenue for persistent script injection attacks that can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the ePO extension's processing of HTML content. When authenticated users interact with the DLP Endpoint interface, malicious JavaScript code can be injected into IMG tag attributes, which are then rendered in subsequent user sessions without proper sanitization. This creates a persistent XSS vector where the malicious code executes in the context of the victim's browser, potentially allowing attackers to access session cookies, steal credentials, or manipulate data within the DLP environment. The vulnerability specifically impacts the web-based management interface of the DLP Endpoint, making it accessible through authenticated sessions that have appropriate privileges within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3948 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent access within the DLP environment. An attacker with valid credentials can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or manipulate the DLP policies and configurations that protect enterprise data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where DLP Endpoint is used to monitor and protect sensitive information, as successful exploitation could lead to data exfiltration or bypass of critical security controls. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers need to have legitimate access to the system, but this access is often sufficient to cause significant damage in enterprise environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing additional input validation measures, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of their DLP Endpoint configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and prevent malicious script injection attempts, along with monitoring for unusual patterns in user activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security training for administrators and users, along with principle of least privilege access controls, can help reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly in security tools that handle sensitive enterprise data.