CVE-2020-7327 in MVision Endpoint
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2020
Improperly implemented security check in McAfee MVISION Endpoint Detection and Response Client (MVEDR) prior to 3.2.0 may allow local administrators to execute malicious code via stopping a core Windows service leaving McAfee core trust component in an inconsistent state resulting in MVEDR failing open rather than closed
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7327 represents a critical security flaw within McAfee MVISION Endpoint Detection and Response client software affecting versions prior to 3.2.0. This issue stems from an improperly implemented security check that creates a dangerous condition where local administrators can potentially execute malicious code through specific system interactions. The flaw manifests when administrators attempt to stop core Windows services that are integral to the MVEDR protection framework, leading to an inconsistent state within the McAfee core trust component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in proper access control and service management within the endpoint protection software. When local administrators stop designated core Windows services, the system enters a state where the trust mechanisms that normally enforce security policies become compromised. This creates a scenario where the MVEDR client fails open instead of failing closed, meaning that rather than restricting access and maintaining security boundaries when encountering an unexpected condition, the system allows potentially malicious activities to proceed unchecked. The failure to properly validate service states and maintain consistent trust relationships between components creates an exploitable condition.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise security infrastructure as it directly undermines the core protection mechanisms that organizations rely upon. Local administrators who possess legitimate access to systems can exploit this weakness to bypass security controls, potentially leading to privilege escalation, lateral movement, and persistent access within the network. The failure to properly handle service termination events creates a persistent backdoor that could be leveraged by attackers who gain administrative privileges or through social engineering techniques that might convince administrators to perform actions that trigger the vulnerable condition.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and specifically relates to improper privilege management within security software. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves the use of privilege escalation techniques through exploitation of system vulnerabilities. Organizations implementing MVEDR software face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats that could exploit this condition to maintain long-term access to their networks. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and the ability to establish persistent footholds within enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected MVEDR client installations to version 3.2.0 or later, which addresses the improper security check implementation. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and monitoring around service management activities, particularly those involving core security components. System administrators should be trained to avoid stopping core services that may impact security software functionality, and organizations should establish robust auditing procedures to detect unauthorized service modifications. Additionally, network segmentation and privilege separation can help limit the potential impact if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, while continuous monitoring of security event logs can help detect anomalous service management activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.