CVE-2017-4015 in Network Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
Clickjacking vulnerability in the server in McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention (NDLP) 9.3.x allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via HTTP response header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2020
The CVE-2017-4015 vulnerability represents a critical clickjacking flaw within McAfee Network Data Loss Prevention version 9.3.x server components. This vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of HTTP response headers, specifically allowing authenticated remote attackers to manipulate the server's response handling mechanisms. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content through manipulated HTTP response headers, potentially compromising the integrity of the security monitoring environment.
This vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the server-side processing of HTTP responses within the McAfee NDLP system. The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and validation of response headers, which should normally be strictly controlled and validated. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious HTTP responses that include embedded scripts or HTML content, leveraging the authenticated user context to execute unauthorized operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core security infrastructure component responsible for monitoring and preventing data loss incidents.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-4015 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised NDLP environment. Remote authenticated users can potentially manipulate the security monitoring processes, bypass protection mechanisms, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability undermines the fundamental security posture of organizations relying on McAfee NDLP for data loss prevention, as attackers can exploit the authenticated access to inject malicious content that could interfere with data monitoring, reporting, or enforcement capabilities. This represents a significant compromise to the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data protection measures.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing additional header validation controls, and monitoring for suspicious HTTP response patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. Network segmentation and additional authentication controls should be implemented to reduce the attack surface, while regular security assessments should verify proper header validation mechanisms are in place to prevent similar injection attacks from compromising the security infrastructure.