CVE-2020-7329 in MVision Endpoint
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2020
Server-side request forgery vulnerability in the ePO extension in McAfee MVISION Endpoint prior to 20.11 allows remote attackers trigger server-side DNS requests to arbitrary domains via carefully constructed XML files loaded by an ePO administrator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-7329 represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw within the McAfee MVISION Endpoint ePO extension. This security weakness exists in versions prior to 20.11 and creates a significant attack vector for remote threat actors seeking to exploit the system. The vulnerability specifically targets the XML processing functionality within the extension, where maliciously crafted XML files can be loaded by ePO administrators, triggering unauthorized server-side communications. The flaw operates at the application level and demonstrates poor input validation practices that allow attackers to manipulate the system's network behavior through crafted payloads.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of XML data processing within the ePO extension component. When administrators load XML files into the system, the extension fails to properly validate or restrict the domains to which DNS queries may be directed. This allows attackers to construct XML documents that, when processed, cause the server to initiate DNS resolution requests to arbitrary external domains. The vulnerability falls under CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate or restrict external resource access. The attack mechanism exploits the trust relationship between the server and external DNS services, enabling attackers to perform reconnaissance, data exfiltration, or even facilitate further attacks through DNS tunneling techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7329 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform network reconnaissance and potentially establish command and control channels. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can monitor DNS queries generated by the compromised server to map network topology, identify internal resources, or extract sensitive information through DNS data exfiltration methods. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as it only requires an administrator to load a malicious XML file into the ePO environment. This makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to maintain persistence or escalate privileges within the security infrastructure. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which covers application layer protocol: DNS, where adversaries use DNS for data exfiltration and command and control communications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate patching of the affected McAfee MVISION Endpoint ePO extension to version 20.11 or later. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions that limit outbound DNS queries from the ePO server, particularly to prevent connections to known malicious domains or suspicious TLDs. Input validation controls should be strengthened to ensure that XML files processed by the system undergo rigorous sanitization before execution. Network segmentation and monitoring of DNS traffic can help detect anomalous patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should follow the principle of least privilege by restricting who can upload XML files to the ePO environment, implementing mandatory access controls that prevent unauthorized file loading operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper XML parsing security measures and highlights the need for comprehensive input validation across all application components that process external data sources.