CVE-2020-7323 in Endpoint Security
Summary
by MITRE
Authentication Protection Bypass vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) for Windows prior to 10.7.0 September 2020 Update allows physical local users to bypass the Windows lock screen via triggering certain detection events while the computer screen is locked and the McTray.exe is running with elevated privileges. This issue is timing dependent and requires physical access to the machine.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical authentication protection bypass flaw in McAfee Endpoint Security for Windows versions prior to 10.7.0. The issue manifests when a local attacker with physical access to a machine can circumvent the Windows lock screen protection by exploiting a timing-dependent condition during specific detection events. The vulnerability specifically targets the McTray.exe process which operates with elevated privileges, creating a dangerous attack vector that undermines fundamental operating system security controls. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, where improper privileges allow unauthorized access to protected resources.
The technical exploitation requires the attacker to have physical access to the target machine and to trigger certain detection events while the computer screen remains locked. The McTray.exe process, which runs with elevated privileges, becomes the focal point of this attack vector. When the system enters a detection event state while the screen is locked, the timing conditions create an opportunity for privilege escalation and authentication bypass. This vulnerability directly impacts the Windows lock screen security model, which is designed to prevent unauthorized access to systems during periods of inactivity. The timing dependency aspect makes this particularly challenging to detect and prevent, as it requires specific system states and conditions to be met simultaneously.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it allows local attackers to potentially bypass multiple layers of security controls that rely on proper authentication mechanisms. Physical access combined with the specific timing conditions creates a dangerous scenario where an attacker could access sensitive system resources, modify security configurations, or escalate privileges without proper authentication. This vulnerability undermines the core security principle of least privilege and creates opportunities for further exploitation within the compromised system. Organizations relying on McAfee Endpoint Security for Windows protection face significant risk when operating vulnerable versions, as this flaw can be exploited by adversaries with minimal technical skills and physical access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching to McAfee Endpoint Security for Windows versions 10.7.0 and later, which contain fixes for this specific vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring for McTray.exe process behavior and privilege escalation attempts. The recommended approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 legitimate credentials, as attackers may attempt to leverage compromised systems to maintain persistence. Organizations should also consider implementing additional physical security controls for systems running vulnerable software, including secure workstations and restricted access areas. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running outdated versions of endpoint security software, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar timing-dependent authentication bypass vulnerabilities.