CVE-2020-7308 in Endpoint Security
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2021
Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information between McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) for Windows prior to 10.7.0 February 2021 Update and McAfee Global Threat Intelligence (GTI) servers using DNS allows a remote attacker to view the requests from ENS and responses from GTI over DNS. By gaining control of an intermediate DNS server or altering the network DNS configuration, it is possible for an attacker to intercept requests and send their own responses.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7308 affects McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) for Windows versions prior to 10.7.0, specifically in its communication with McAfee Global Threat Intelligence (GTI) servers through DNS protocols. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the confidentiality of sensitive information exchanged between endpoint security software and threat intelligence services. The issue stems from the use of cleartext transmission methods that expose communication channels to interception and manipulation by unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the transmission of sensitive data through DNS queries and responses without proper encryption or authentication mechanisms. When ENS for Windows communicates with GTI servers, the communication occurs over DNS protocols using unencrypted channels, making it susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks. This design flaw allows attackers to monitor network traffic and capture the DNS requests sent by ENS and the responses received from GTI servers. The vulnerability specifically targets the DNS-based communication channel, which is commonly used for lightweight data exchange but lacks the security controls necessary for protecting sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the security ecosystem itself. An attacker who gains control of an intermediate DNS server or successfully alters the network DNS configuration can not only intercept the communications but also inject malicious responses that could compromise the integrity of the threat intelligence feed. This capability enables attackers to potentially bypass security controls, deliver false threat intelligence, or redirect endpoint security decisions, effectively undermining the entire security posture of systems relying on ENS and GTI services. The attack vector is particularly concerning because DNS is a fundamental network service that is typically trusted and less scrutinized than other communication channels.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext transmission over networks. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, demonstrating how attackers can exploit common network protocols to achieve their objectives. The vulnerability represents a failure in implementing proper transport layer security controls, specifically the absence of DNS over TLS (DoT) or DNS over HTTPS (DoH) implementations that would encrypt the communication channels. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant risks including potential data breaches, compromised security decisions, and the possibility of attackers using the intelligence to craft targeted attacks against their networks.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2020-7308 include immediate upgrade to McAfee Endpoint Security version 10.7.0 or later, which addresses this specific vulnerability through enhanced encryption mechanisms and secure communication protocols. Network administrators should also implement DNS security measures such as DNSSEC to provide authentication and data integrity protection for DNS communications. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous DNS traffic patterns that might indicate interception or manipulation attempts. The implementation of secure DNS protocols and regular security updates remains critical for protecting against similar vulnerabilities in the future, as this issue demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and proper encryption practices in endpoint security ecosystems.