CVE-2019-3587 in Total Protection
Summary
by MITRE
DLL Search Order Hijacking vulnerability in Microsoft Windows client in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) Prior to 16.0.18 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via execution from a compromised folder.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3587 represents a critical DLL search order hijacking flaw within Microsoft Windows client implementations of McAfee Total Protection software versions prior to 16.0.18. This security weakness stems from improper handling of dynamic link library loading sequences, creating an exploitable condition where malicious code can be executed with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the Windows operating system's dynamic link library resolution mechanism, which traditionally searches for required libraries in a specific order including the current working directory, system directories, and other predefined locations.
The technical flaw manifests when McAfee Total Protection applications fail to properly specify the full path to required dynamic link libraries during runtime execution. This behavior creates an opportunity for attackers to place malicious DLL files in directories that Windows searches before the legitimate library locations. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-427 as Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which directly relates to the improper handling of library search paths. When a compromised folder contains a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate library required by McAfee components, Windows will load the malicious version instead of the intended system library, enabling code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the compromised system. Local users who can write to directories that are part of the DLL search order can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the McAfee process. This condition creates a vector for privilege escalation attacks and can potentially lead to full system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level where legitimate security software is running, allowing attackers to bypass security controls that would normally detect malicious activity. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious DLLs in the same directories as legitimate McAfee executables, effectively hijacking the execution flow of the security software itself.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3587 primarily focus on updating to McAfee Total Protection version 16.0.18 or later, which includes proper DLL loading mechanisms that resolve libraries through full path specifications rather than relying on the default search order. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege and ensure that users cannot write to directories containing security software executables. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting policies, monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities, and conducting regular security audits of system directories. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055.001 for Process Injection, as attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious code into legitimate security processes. Organizations should also consider implementing security controls such as Windows Defender Application Control or similar technologies to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs. The remediation process requires careful planning to ensure that legitimate software updates do not break existing functionality while addressing the underlying search order vulnerability that allows for unauthorized code execution through the compromised folder access pattern.