CVE-2020-7284 in Network Security Management
Summary
by MITRE
Exposure of Sensitive Information in McAfee Network Security Management (NSM) prior to 10.1.7.7 allows local users to gain unauthorised access to the root account via execution of carefully crafted commands from the restricted command line interface (CLI).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7284 represents a critical security flaw in McAfee Network Security Management (NSM) versions prior to 10.1.7.7 that exposes sensitive information and enables unauthorized access to root privileges. This vulnerability specifically affects the restricted command line interface implementation within the NSM system, creating a pathway for local attackers to escalate their privileges and gain full administrative control. The flaw exists in the privilege management mechanisms that should normally prevent local users from accessing elevated system functions through the CLI environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and privilege separation within the NSM CLI subsystem. When local users execute carefully crafted commands through the restricted interface, the system fails to properly enforce access controls that should prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. This weakness allows attackers to bypass the intended security boundaries that separate standard user access from root-level administrative functions. The vulnerability operates at the operating system level where command execution is processed, effectively undermining the security model that separates user and administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides local attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Once exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to gain root access to the NSM appliance, which typically contains sensitive network security configurations, authentication credentials, and monitoring data. This level of access allows for complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on McAfee NSM for network security monitoring and management, potentially compromising their entire security posture.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to McAfee NSM version 10.1.7.7 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the privilege escalation vulnerability. System administrators should also review and tighten access controls on the CLI interface, implement additional monitoring for suspicious command executions, and consider disabling unnecessary administrative functions for local users. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, privilege escalation through local commands. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential compromise.