CVE-2019-3595 in Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection') in ePO extension in McAfee Data Loss Prevention (DLP) 11.x prior to 11.3.0 allows Authenticated Adminstrator to execute arbitrary code with their local machine privileges via a specially crafted DLP policy, which is exported and opened on the their machine. In our checks, the user must explicitly allow the code to execute.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3595 represents a critical command injection flaw within McAfee Data Loss Prevention version 11.x prior to 11.3.0, specifically affecting the ePO extension component. This security weakness stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within command execution contexts, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that will be executed with the privileges of the authenticated administrator. The vulnerability manifests when a specially crafted DLP policy is exported and subsequently opened on the target machine, exploiting the trust relationship between the policy file and the local execution environment. The flaw aligns with CWE-77 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in commands, making it a classic command injection vulnerability that has been extensively documented in cybersecurity literature and threat intelligence reports.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust model inherent in the ePO extension's policy handling mechanism, where policy files are interpreted and executed locally without proper input validation. When an authenticated administrator opens a maliciously crafted DLP policy file, the system processes the policy content without adequate sanitization of special command characters or sequences, allowing an attacker to inject operating system commands that execute with the administrator's privileges. This creates a privilege escalation scenario where the attacker can execute arbitrary code with local machine privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability specifically targets the policy import/export functionality and leverages the fact that policy files are treated as trusted executables, bypassing normal security controls that would otherwise prevent command injection attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage legitimate system tools to execute malicious code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a method to establish persistent access and escalate privileges within the target environment. The requirement for explicit user interaction to allow code execution does not mitigate the severity, as administrators may be tricked into opening malicious policy files through social engineering or phishing campaigns. The vulnerability affects organizations using McAfee DLP 11.x versions before 11.3.0, potentially exposing critical data protection infrastructure to compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or establish lateral movement capabilities within the network, particularly targeting environments where administrators frequently interact with policy files. The attack vector through policy file manipulation is particularly concerning because it can be delivered via legitimate administrative workflows, making detection more challenging. Organizations with extensive DLP implementations are at heightened risk as administrators regularly handle policy files, creating multiple potential attack surfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3595 center around immediate patching of McAfee DLP components to version 11.3.0 or later, which addresses the command injection vulnerability through proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict policy file handling procedures, including digital signature verification and content scanning before opening any exported policy files. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that administrative privileges are not unnecessarily granted to routine users. Security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the risks of opening unknown or untrusted policy files, particularly those received via email or external sources. Additionally, monitoring and logging of policy import/export activities should be implemented to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in all components that process user-supplied data, reinforcing industry best practices outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-160 and ISO 27001 for secure software development practices. Organizations should also consider implementing automated policy validation mechanisms that can detect and prevent the execution of malicious policy content before it reaches the target system.