CVE-2017-4028 in Product
Summary
by MITRE
Maliciously misconfigured registry vulnerability in all Microsoft Windows products in McAfee consumer and corporate products allows an administrator to inject arbitrary code into a debugged McAfee process via manipulation of registry parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-4028 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting Microsoft Windows systems that have McAfee security products installed. This issue stems from improper registry configuration within McAfee's consumer and corporate product lines, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate system behavior through registry parameter manipulation. The vulnerability specifically targets the debugging functionality of McAfee processes, allowing unauthorized code injection that can escalate privileges and potentially compromise entire systems.
This vulnerability operates through a registry-based attack vector that leverages the trust relationship between McAfee's security software and the Windows operating system. When McAfee processes are configured for debugging purposes, the registry entries that control debug settings become accessible to administrators who can manipulate these parameters to inject malicious code into running McAfee processes. The flaw exists because the registry keys controlling debugging functionality are not properly secured, allowing modification by users with administrator privileges or those who can escalate to such privileges through other means.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-4028 extends beyond simple code injection, as it can enable attackers to achieve persistent system compromise and privilege escalation. Once an attacker successfully injects code into a McAfee process, they can leverage the elevated privileges of that process to perform actions that would otherwise be restricted. This includes accessing sensitive system files, modifying security policies, and potentially establishing backdoors that persist across system reboots. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of legitimate security software, making detection more difficult and the attack more convincing to system administrators who might not immediately recognize the malicious activity.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges and access control issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates how legitimate software components can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of legitimate system tools for malicious purposes. Organizations running McAfee products are particularly vulnerable as the attack requires only registry manipulation rather than complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to attackers with moderate technical skills. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper access control and privilege management, as it relies on the assumption that registry modifications are properly restricted. Mitigation strategies should focus on securing registry entries related to debugging functionality, implementing least privilege principles for administrative accounts, and monitoring for unauthorized registry changes that could indicate exploitation attempts.