CVE-2020-7302 in Data Loss Prevention
Summary
by MITRE
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type in McAfee Data Loss Prevention (DLP) ePO extension prior to 11.5.3 allows authenticated attackers to upload malicious files to the DLP case management section via lack of sanity checking.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2020-7302 represents a critical security flaw in McAfee Data Loss Prevention ePO extension versions prior to 11.5.3, where the system fails to implement proper file type validation during upload operations. This weakness exists within the DLP case management section, which serves as a central repository for handling sensitive data incidents and security events. The absence of robust input sanitization mechanisms allows authenticated attackers to bypass normal file validation processes and upload potentially malicious files with dangerous extensions. The vulnerability specifically affects the file upload functionality that is used to attach evidence, documents, or other materials to security cases within the DLP environment, creating a significant attack surface that could be exploited by threat actors with valid credentials. This issue falls under the CWE-434 category of Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability due to its potential for enabling arbitrary code execution and system compromise. The affected McAfee DLP extension operates within enterprise security environments where it processes sensitive data and security incidents, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to critical organizational information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file extensions and content type checks within the DLP case management upload functionality. When authenticated users attempt to upload files to the DLP case management section, the system does not properly verify that the uploaded files conform to predefined safe file types or that their content matches their declared extensions. This lack of proper sanitization allows attackers to upload files with extensions such as .exe, .bat, .jsp, .php, or other executable formats that could be used to establish persistence or execute malicious code within the target environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within a privileged context where authenticated users already possess legitimate access to the system, meaning that an attacker who can obtain valid credentials can directly exploit this weakness without requiring additional reconnaissance or exploitation techniques. The absence of proper file validation creates a path for attackers to upload web shells, malware, or other malicious payloads that can be executed within the DLP environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7302 extends beyond simple file upload capabilities and represents a significant threat to enterprise security infrastructure. Organizations utilizing McAfee DLP ePO extensions in their security operations could experience unauthorized access to sensitive data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network. The vulnerability enables attackers to upload malicious files that could be used to establish backdoors, exfiltrate data, or disrupt normal security operations. Since the DLP system is designed to protect against data loss and security incidents, exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass the very security controls that are meant to protect the organization. The potential for privilege escalation exists if the uploaded malicious files can be executed with elevated privileges or if they can be used to manipulate the DLP system's configuration and access controls. This vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised DLP environment as a staging area for further attacks, potentially affecting multiple systems within the organization's network infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address CVE-2020-7302, including updating to McAfee DLP ePO extension version 11.5.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to resolve the unrestricted file upload vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the scope of potential exploitation, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the DLP case management upload functionality. Implementing additional file validation mechanisms at the network level, such as web application firewalls or content inspection systems, can provide additional layers of protection against malicious file uploads. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file upload patterns or attempts to upload files with potentially dangerous extensions. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1197 for Dynamic Resolution and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers could use the uploaded files to execute commands or establish persistent access to the compromised system. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise security tools and applications, as this type of unrestricted file upload vulnerability is common across various software platforms and represents a well-known attack vector that requires continuous vigilance and proactive defense measures.