CVE-2020-7334 in Application and Change Control
Summary
by MITRE • 10/15/2020
Improper privilege assignment vulnerability in the installer McAfee Application and Change Control (MACC) prior to 8.3.2 allows local administrators to change or update the configuration settings via a carefully constructed MSI configured to mimic the genuine installer. This version adds further controls for installation/uninstallation of software.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2020
The CVE-2020-7334 vulnerability represents a critical improper privilege assignment flaw within McAfee Application and Change Control (MACC) installer components prior to version 8.3.2. This vulnerability specifically targets the installation and uninstallation processes of the security software, creating a pathway for local administrators to manipulate configuration settings through maliciously constructed MSI packages. The flaw exploits the trust relationship between the legitimate installer and the system's privilege model, allowing unauthorized configuration changes that could compromise the integrity of the security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the MACC installer process. When a local administrator executes a specially crafted MSI package, the installer fails to properly verify the authenticity and integrity of the installation package before applying configuration changes. This weakness creates an attack surface where malicious actors can construct MSI files that appear legitimate to the MACC installer but contain modified configuration parameters. The vulnerability operates at the installer level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during routine software installation or update procedures that administrators typically perform with elevated privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of MACC by allowing local administrators to bypass the intended privilege controls. The ability to modify configuration settings through a fake installer means that attackers could potentially disable security features, alter access controls, or redirect logging mechanisms. This represents a significant escalation from a simple privilege assignment issue to a potential full compromise of the security posture, as the attacker can manipulate the very tools designed to protect the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the trust relationship between the administrator and the installation process, making detection difficult.
The attack vector for CVE-2020-7334 aligns with common techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics. Specifically, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving installation package manipulation and legitimate system tool usage for malicious purposes. Organizations implementing MACC as part of their security infrastructure face significant risk as local administrators who are not properly vetted or monitored could exploit this vulnerability. The flaw is classified under CWE-276 as improper privilege assignment, where the system grants privileges to unauthorized actors or allows privilege escalation through improper access control mechanisms. Security teams should consider this vulnerability as a critical component in their risk assessment of endpoint protection systems, particularly in environments where administrative privileges are widely distributed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-7334 require immediate implementation of version 8.3.2 or later, which includes enhanced controls for installation and uninstallation processes. Organizations should implement strict software distribution policies that prevent unauthorized MSI package execution and establish robust code signing verification processes. Network segmentation and privileged access management controls should be enhanced to limit the scope of potential exploitation. Additionally, continuous monitoring of installation activities and configuration changes should be implemented to detect unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security software and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies that do not rely solely on a single security control mechanism.