CVE-2018-6316 in Endpoint Security
Summary
by MITRE
Ivanti Endpoint Security (formerly HEAT Endpoint Management and Security Suite) 8.5 Update 1 and earlier allows an authenticated user with low privileges and access to the local network to bypass application whitelisting when using the Application Control module on Ivanti Endpoint Security in lockdown mode.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6316 affects Ivanti Endpoint Security software version 8.5 Update 1 and earlier implementations, specifically targeting the Application Control module when operating in lockdown mode. This security flaw represents a critical bypass of application whitelisting controls that are fundamental to endpoint protection strategies. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows authenticated users with minimal privileges to circumvent security controls that are designed to prevent unauthorized applications from executing on protected systems.
The technical flaw resides within the Application Control module's handling of security policies when the system operates in lockdown mode. Attackers with low-privilege accounts and local network access can exploit this weakness to bypass the intended restrictions that should prevent execution of unauthorized applications. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-119, which addresses improper access control and memory safety issues, and more specifically to CWE-284, which covers improper access control mechanisms. The flaw essentially undermines the core principle of application whitelisting by allowing malicious code execution outside of the defined policy boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations relying on Ivanti Endpoint Security for endpoint protection. An attacker who gains access to a local network and has basic authentication credentials can effectively neutralize the application control protections that are meant to prevent malware execution, privilege escalation, and other malicious activities. This bypass capability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited for lateral movement within networks and can potentially lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only minimal privileges and network access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network segmentation is not properly enforced.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Ivanti Endpoint Security version 8.5 Update 2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit local network access to privileged systems. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious application execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may attempt to leverage this bypass for further malicious activities within compromised systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all endpoint protection mechanisms are properly configured and functioning as intended.