CVE-2018-6690 in Application
Summary
by MITRE
Accessing, modifying, or executing executable files vulnerability in Microsoft Windows client in McAfee Application and Change Control (MACC) 8.0.0 Hotfix 4 and earlier allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via file transfer from external system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6690 represents a critical access control flaw within Microsoft Windows client systems that are configured with McAfee Application and Change Control version 8.0.0 Hotfix 4 or earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the file transfer mechanisms employed by the MACC solution, creating a pathway for authenticated users to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of file transfer operations between external systems and the Windows client environment, allowing malicious actors to leverage legitimate authentication processes to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. This issue falls under the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities and demonstrates the dangerous intersection of application control mechanisms and file system access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the McAfee MACC client and external file transfer systems. When authenticated users perform file transfer operations from external sources, the system fails to properly validate the integrity and authorization status of the transferred files. This validation gap enables attackers to manipulate file transfer processes to introduce malicious executables that can be executed with the privileges of the authenticated user. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within the legitimate file transfer workflows that organizations typically trust and monitor less closely than direct code injection vectors. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and demonstrates how application control solutions can inadvertently create attack surfaces when they fail to properly validate external inputs. The vulnerability exists in the Windows client-side processing of file transfers, making it exploitable through network-based attacks that target the communication channels between external systems and the MACC client.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6690 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of organizations relying on McAfee MACC for application control. Once exploited, attackers can establish persistent footholds within networks, escalate privileges to system-level access, and potentially move laterally across the enterprise infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that have not yet applied the necessary hotfixes, creating a window of opportunity for adversaries who may already have authenticated access to the network. This represents a significant concern for organizations with strict application control policies, as the vulnerability allows bypassing these very controls through legitimate file transfer mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where authenticated users may have access to multiple systems and network resources, potentially enabling widespread compromise. This vulnerability contributes to the broader ATT&CK framework category of privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques, as it allows attackers to maintain persistence while operating within normal network traffic patterns.
Organizations should immediately implement the available Microsoft hotfixes and McAfee patches to address this vulnerability, while also conducting comprehensive audits of their application control configurations and file transfer processes. Network segmentation and monitoring of file transfer activities should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review their access control policies to ensure that file transfer operations are properly restricted and monitored, particularly in environments where multiple user roles and system access levels exist. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security patches across all enterprise components, including third-party security solutions like McAfee MACC, as these products often become primary targets for attackers seeking to exploit trust relationships within enterprise environments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, mandatory access controls, and regular security assessments to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.