CVE-2017-4014 in Network Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
Session Side jacking vulnerability in the server in McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention (NDLP) 9.3.x allows remote authenticated users to view, add, and remove users via modification of the HTTP request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2020
The CVE-2017-4014 vulnerability represents a critical session management flaw within McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention version 9.3.x that enables remote authenticated attackers to hijack active user sessions. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of session management weaknesses and specifically aligns with CWE-384, which addresses session fixation and hijacking issues. The flaw exists in the server-side session handling mechanism where proper session validation and token management are insufficiently implemented, allowing attackers to manipulate HTTP requests to gain unauthorized access to user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate session token validation within the NDLP server's authentication framework. When authenticated users establish sessions, the system fails to properly validate session identifiers in subsequent requests, creating an opportunity for attackers to modify HTTP parameters to impersonate legitimate users. This weakness enables attackers to perform unauthorized actions including viewing sensitive data, adding new users to the system, and removing existing users from the authorization framework. The vulnerability specifically targets the session management layer rather than the authentication mechanism itself, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the trusted session context.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing McAfee NDLP 9.3.x solutions as it allows attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to the data loss prevention system. The ability to add and remove users directly within the system creates potential for persistent access and further compromise of the network security infrastructure. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain administrative privileges, modify security policies, or access sensitive data that the system is designed to protect. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the network and can exploit the vulnerability from external locations, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of McAfee NDLP software, implementing proper session token regeneration after authentication, and deploying network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous HTTP request patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing techniques related to session management and credential access. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their session management implementations and consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of potential session hijacking attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for proper session validation and the implementation of robust access controls in enterprise security solutions.