CVE-2020-7256 in Network Security Management
Summary
by MITRE
Cross site scripting vulnerability in McAfee Network Security Management (NSM) Prior to 9.1 update 6 Mar 2020 Update allows attackers to unspecified impact via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/11/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7256 represents a cross site scripting flaw within McAfee Network Security Management (NSM) software prior to version 9.1 update 6 released in March 2020. This security weakness resides in the web-based administrative interface of the network security management platform, which is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for monitoring and controlling network security policies. The vulnerability specifically affects the input validation mechanisms within the NSM web console, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code within the context of a victim's browser session. Such flaws are particularly dangerous in security management platforms where administrators regularly interact with sensitive network configuration data and security policies through web interfaces.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are processed by the NSM web application. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that are then executed when legitimate users view affected pages or interact with compromised content. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple input points within the NSM interface could be targeted, potentially including form fields, URL parameters, or other user-controllable data entry points within the web administration console. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws in software applications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a network security management platform where privileged users would have elevated access rights, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their privileges or gain unauthorized access to critical network infrastructure configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it could enable attackers to manipulate network security policies, view sensitive configuration data, or potentially redirect users to malicious sites. In enterprise environments where NSM is deployed for comprehensive network monitoring and security management, an attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to detailed network topology information, security policy configurations, and potentially manipulate the security controls themselves. The attack surface is particularly broad given that NSM is designed to be accessible through web browsers, making it susceptible to exploitation via various attack vectors including phishing campaigns, compromised user accounts, or direct web-based attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering attacks including phishing and spearphishing, as well as T1071 which addresses application layer protocol usage.
Organizations utilizing McAfee NSM software prior to update 9.1 build 6 should immediately implement mitigations to protect their network security infrastructure. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patch released in March 2020 which addresses the specific input validation issues that create the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators should implement web application firewalls to monitor and filter malicious requests targeting the NSM web interface, while also establishing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual administrative activities. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and input validation controls within the web application can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their network security management infrastructure to identify any other potentially affected components or applications that may share similar input validation weaknesses. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for enterprise security management platforms, as these systems often serve as central control points for network security operations and represent high-value targets for cyber adversaries.